2017 Fall Camp #2: Notes

The USC defense proved advantageous on Day 2 of Fall Camp, hauling in four interceptions.

The latest injury report from head coach Clay Helton: OL Viane Talamaivao (rolled ankle), OL Alijah Vera-Tucker (tweaked hamstring) and TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hip flexor).

While QB Sam Darnold develops chemistry with his inexperienced wide receiving corps, the USC secondary is not waiting to pounce. The RS sophomore was picked off by Iman Marshall, Cameron Smith and Chris Hawkins during competitive portions of practice this evening. "It's good for him," said Helton about the miscues. "I think it's a great learning example for him to be able to really dive in and get great chemistry with these kids."

Everything in practice is hard to judge because success on one side of the ball means failure on the other. "Great job by our defense. They made it tough on us," said QB coach Tyson Helton. "As a group, we threw four interceptions. As a group, that's a poor day. You're not going to win football games doing that."

While the Trojans wait for stars to emerge in the receiving corps, Helton likes their odds because the Trojans have so much quality depth at all three spots. He is looking for a "strength in numbers group" this season that looks like a "basketball team on grass."

As the pass game develops, the Trojans know they can rely on the running prowess of junior tailback Ronald Jones II. With Justin Davis off to the NFL, Jones is the new leader of the RB room. "It's different, because when the younger guys don't know the play, they look at me, and I used to look at him," said Jones about being groomed under Davis. "Sometimes I don't know the play, but I know the plays now. It's cool being the older guy and having them ask me questions now."

Jones is still growing himself, physically and as a player. He added 10 pounds of muscle and continues to work on his previously unreliable hands. "He's forming himself into that every down back and that's what you want when you have an opportunity to be in that role," Helton about his lead back.

Several battles are being waged along the offensive line as well. Toa Lobendahn is in the middle of two of them, training at center and left tackle. He has been praised for his versatility since his freshman year, and the coaches are once again relying on him to master multiple positions. "I was just raised playing football since my dad had me playing since I was young," Lobendahn explained the roots of his football acumen. "He just always taught me to learn every position, learn the whole game."

Lobendahn is happy to play any of the spots along the front, but he said that he would like to go into the final two weeks of camp with some certainty as to where he will start the season. Most importantly though, he is healthy and agile after losing last season to a knee injury suffered in the season opener against Alabama.

The fresh faces are always the most intriguing during the first few weeks of Fall Camp. Helton complimented freshman wideouts Randal Grimes (pictured) and Joseph Lewis IV for playing without fear, while he noted that Lewis is physically reminiscent of JuJu Smith-Schuster who arrived on campus fully developed.

On the defensive side, freshman LB Levi Jones is "making plays" and standing out after two practices, Helton said.

There is no shortage of hair on this USC team with the exception of the head coach. When asked about Ronald Jones growing out his dreads again, Helton quipped, "He told me dreads make him faster. I wish I had some."

Players Mentioned