University Southern California Trojans
2017 Fall Camp #14: Notes
August 15, 2017 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
The Trojans went full pads in the Coliseum for the first time this fall.
The Trojans entered the Coliseum for the first time this fall, executing a physical, Tuesday practice.
- Here is the injury report from head coach Clay Helton: WR Michael Pittman Jr. (high ankle sprain), DL Brandon Pili (elbow), OL Andrew Voorhees (back) and OL Cole Smith (knee soreness). Pittman went down in a one-on-one drill when he landed on the arm of CB Jack Jones. The X-rays on his ankle were negative.
- The kicking game has been an area of consternation over the last week, but both young placekickers delivered today in the Coliseum. They combined to make 8/9 field goals. "It was better today," said Helton about Michael Brown and Chase McGrath. "I commend those two kids. They came in here with the right attitude."
- For the most part, the defense once again swamped the offense during the scrimmage portion although TE Cary Angeline and WR Deontay Burnett made two big plays through the air, while RB Stephen Carr broke off a long run as well. "We are moving pretty good," QB Sam Darnold said about the offense. "There are a lot of things that we need to work on, but I am confident that we will get it fixed. We're doing pretty good for right now. It's good that we have a couple weeks left and I think we'll be ready."
- Darnold continues to break in new receivers on the outside, so the timing is still not precise. "We've grown a lot since Spring Camp," Darnold said. "In terms of the young receivers getting to know the playbook a lot better, we've grown a lot in that area. We are going to continue to learn, continue to get better, continue to develop that chemistry with them and continue to roll into the season, and we are going to be ready come week one."
- The starting offensive line is beginning to materialize with LT Toa Lobendahn, LG Chris Brown, C Nico Falah, RG Viane Talamaivao and RT Chuma Edoga, but Helton would not commit to any five just yet. However, Edoga (pictured) appears to be a lock at right tackle, and while he has had to wait his turn, he is seasoned. "He brings a lot of experience going into his third year," Helton said about Edoga. "It's his opportunity. It's his time. I'm excited for him."
- Edoga prepped differently for this season knowing that he had a chance to shine. He is clearly bigger than last fall. "I feel a lot stronger," he said. "I feel like I can take on the bull rush a lot more [and] get more movement in the run game."
- Just like so many spots on this roster, the Trojans are loaded with talented athletes along the offensive line. Edoga estimated that "at least 10 guys can play" right now. The second line of the depth chart may be unproven but they look the part.
- Helton will not announce the backup quarterback officially until next week, but Matt Fink appears to have seized the job. The RS freshman has seen the game slow down for him this summer thanks to "experience, reps and time in the film room," he said.
- Obviously, Sam Darnold is the clear cut No. 1, but Fink is ready, willing and able to perform if and when the time comes. "I have confidence in myself to come on the field after Sam," he said. "I feel like I'm ready to pick up his spot."
- Helton ended practice by having the entire team and staff take a knee and touch the field. He emphasized that the Coliseum is hallowed ground and the Trojans must respect the history and significance of the stadium every time they enter it.
Players Mentioned
OG-OT
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PK
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WR
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TB
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QB
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OT
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C
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QB
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CB
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C-OG
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PK
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DT
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WR
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C
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OG
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