2018 Spring Practice #2: Notes

The USC football team took the field at Howard Jones today for the second practice of the spring 2018 session.

USC Head Coach Clay Helton announced injuries suffered in today's practice include rising redshirt senior TE Austin Applebee (hamstring) and rising redshirt junior WR Jake Russell (hamstring).

Rising redshirt sophomore WR Josh Imatorbhebhe had a minor medical procedure today, but will be back practicing with the team after spring break.

Helton announced that Saturday's practice will be moved to tomorrow at 3:15 to account for the incoming inclement weather. Helton included that tomorrow's practice will be the first with shoulder pads, as he thinks the team is ready to enter into more physical play.

Now starting his third year as the full-time head coach, Helton has noticed after the first two practices that "it's evident how fast the kids are playing, how well they're communicating and it doesn't feel like the opening of spring, it feels like you've been in a system."

The team's energy was the highlight of the second spring practice, and the veterans on the defensive side of the ball could feel it early on.

Rising redshirt senior CB Ajene Harris could feel the excitement starting as early as the team stretches. He said the defense really showed emotion when rising senior S Marvell Tell III made an interception off of a tip by rising senior ILB Cameron Smith. Harris was thrilled for Tell, saying "I'm always happy for anyone in my d-block" when they make a play.

Rising senior OLB Porter Gustin sees the defense clicking as well, and he's happy to be a part of it. After dealing with injuries throughout last season, Gustin says he is 100 percent healthy. Gustin said, "It just feels right being out here you know. I've just been sitting on the sidelines for too long at this point. It just really feels good to be back out here with my guys competing." Gustin is looking forward to the depth that he sees in the defense.

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