2017 Mock Game Tuesday: Notes

The Trojans have officially closed Fall Camp and now begin regular game week schedules.

Freshman safety Isaiah Pola-Mao needs shoulder surgery, ruling him out for the season, head coach Clay Helton reported. Freshman OLB Hunter Echols, who needed hip surgery to clean out an infection, will also miss an extended period of time (approximately 6-8 weeks).

On the positive side, the Trojans welcomed back TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe, who missed the last two weeks with a hip flexor problem. And, freshman TE Josh Falo (bruised knee) returned as well.

During practice, OL Viane Talamaivao suffered an outside foot injury, but the x-rays were negative, so he is expected back in a couple days, Helton said.

The coaches are already implementing the offensive game plan for Western Michigan, and the running game looks sound led by junior tailback Ronald Jones II. "He just looks like a very powerful runner," Helton said about Jones, who put on more muscle in the offseason. "Arm tackles are not bringing him down."

As for the passing game, QB Sam Darnold is still not in sync with all his wideouts. "We've still got work to do," Helton said about the receiver spot. "I don't think we are anywhere near a finished product."

Helton is comfortable with his veteran pass-catching trio: Deontay Burnett, Jalen Greene and Steven Mitchell Jr. He anticipates that Darnold will need to lean on the experienced players, while younger receivers suffer through some "growing pains" in their first college games. With that said, there is no shortage of talent in this position group and opportunities are there to be seized. "Hopefully, they make more good plays than bad," Helton said about his neophytes.

The freshman class was released to the media for the first time today, so expect some introductory videos in the near future. But as a whole, this group appears to be as good as any USC class in a long time. "They're improving. Quick learners. Really athletic, strong. Biggest freshman class I've seen, physically, and obviously, the full class. So it's good to see," Darnold said. "A lot of talent, and they're picking up this stuff quickly for freshmen."

Helton announced the 2017 team captains: Darnold, LB Cameron Smith, OLB Uchenna Nwosu and DB Chris Hawkins. "I am very proud of each man and the way they have led our football team on and off the field," Helton praised. "I could not think of four better men to take us into the 2017 season."

In a newsworthy week, the Trojans also took questions about their flashy No. 4 national ranking. "I think it's our job as players to ignore the hype and not focus on rankings," Darnold said. "Coach Helton does a great job in team meetings by talking to us about living just one day at a time and taking it one game at a time. I think that's the biggest thing here at USC."

Trojans footer