2017 Fall Camp #10: Notes

The Trojans went through a typical Thursday practice as they settle into mock game weeks.

USC head coach Clay Helton was happy to report that the team was "injury-free" today and he received a blank injury update card from the training staff.

RS freshman RB Vavae Malepeai was spotted on a preseason watch list today, earning recognition from the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award. He is joined by teammates Toa Lobendahn and Viane Talamaivao who have played a lot more football than the second-year back. "It's an honor to receive recognition from the Polynesian community," said Malepeai about the news. "It's a blessing, but I feel like Toa and Viane are going to win it."

The Trojans have a growing Polynesian contingent in the locker room. "We do have a lot of Polynesians on the team, especially with the new recruiting class coming in. It makes the move more comfortable for them because I know it made the move more comfortable for me," Malepeai said. "Then again, everyone on the team are brothers and we are all cool with each other."

Lobendahn and Talamaivao, along with Nico Falah, have helped improve the offensive line this fall after sitting out the spring. "It feels so much different from spring when they were not there," said Helton. "Just from a leadership standpoint, a communication standpoint and obviously the experience that they have to get the job done."

Malepeai is listed at 210 pounds, but he runs like a hammer, and he could carve out a role this season as a chain-mover. The entire tailback group is loving life under new position coach Deland McCullough. "Coach DMC is cool. He's a great teacher," said Malepeai, who likes that McCullough explains the value of each practice drill.

On the outside, QB Sam Darnold is testing his young receivers to learn the "catch radius" for each player. Freshman WR Joseph Lewis IV (pictured) showed that he can go get it by hauling in a difficult jump ball in the end zone.

RS freshman Velus Jones Jr., the speediest receiver in the corps, made a one-handed catch in traffic himself. "We are competing for our spots," Jones said. "Right now we are rotating every three, every four reps and we are competing for our spots, whoever can make plays and whoever they trust, they're going to put on the field."

Jones is also in the mix to replace Adoree' Jackson in the return game. "I am just thinking about go, full-speed decisions. Let's take off," he described his return strategy. "When that time comes, people will see what I can do when I get the ball in my hands."

Jalen Greene is the rare veteran receiver on this team, but he's spent most of his USC career bouncing between quarterback and wideout. "I finally got a spring under my belt where I was just a full-time receiver, so it wasn't too big of an adjustment in Fall Camp, but it just feels good to focus in on one specific role, but still be ready for anything."

Defenses will need to be ready for anything when Greene is on the field because he can still pull it back and throw the ball at any point. "I was playing quarterback for a long time, so it's like riding a bike and I won't forget the techniques and I'm ready for anything that is thrown in there," said the southpaw.

Practice featured a little scrap between OLB Oluwole Betiku and OT Austin Jackson. Helton explained that "it happens in camp" due to the number of practices and oppressive heat. He was happy that the team broke it up immediately.

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