University Southern California Trojans
2018 Mock Game Tuesday: Notes
August 21, 2018 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
The Trojans saw the return of several healthy bodies as Mock Game Week begins.
The Trojans endured one of their most physical and competitive practices of the preseason.
- Here is the injury report from head coach Clay Helton: TE Tyler Petite, TE Erik Krommenhoek, LT Austin Jackson and DL Jacob Lichtenstein all returned to practice. RT Chuma Edoga is expected to be ready tomorrow. OT Clayton Bradley could return as early as the end of this week.
- With more healthy players out there, the Trojans went after each other on a full pads Tuesday. Freshman WR Devon Williams sacrificed his body to make several tough catches over the middle. "Especially for really tall guys, it can be hard to adjust your body, but I feel like from Day 1 he was making plays," WR Michael Pittman Jr. said about Williams.
- The quarterbacks struggled for the most part during the team setting, including two interceptions thrown by JT Daniels. "He's done a great job protecting the ball," said QB coach Bryan Ellis about the freshman. "Today was bad, we've got to get better and we will."
- Freshman CB Olaijah Griffin accounted for one of the two picks, baiting Daniels in a "savvy play for a young person," Helton said. CB Jonathan Lockett made the other INT.
- The wide receiver versus cornerback battles have provided some of the best entertainment at training camp, including in the slot. "Getting 1-on-1 work with Ajene [Harris] is very competitive," WR Velus Jones Jr. said. "He comes out here and brings his best and I bring my best 'A' game and may the best man win. It's just all about getting each other great. The season's around the corner and so we compete every time we go together."
- Of course, the Trojans have also hit the point where they are tired of going against their teammates every day. "It's been a long time," Jones said. "It's about time we play somebody else and compete, no matter who it is. But yeah, it'll feel good getting out there next week."
- Helton surmised that the lack of a depth chart has led to intense competition deeper into camp than usual. Among other positions, the quarterback race is still a mystery, but Helton will end the speculation early next week. He plans to meet with each QB and then call their families before making any public announcement.
- Like Helton, Ellis preaches the three keys to quarterbacking, "Decision-making, timing and accuracy." He anticipates decision-making being the deciding factor in this race because the other two attributes are easier to fix with coaching.
- C Toa Lobendahn, OLB Porter Gustin, LB Cameron Smith and S Marvell Tell III were voted team captains by their peers. "I can't think of any better," Helton said. "Those four are representative of what we are on a day-to-day basis." He also said that it was a close vote because this team has several other impressive senior leaders.
Players Mentioned
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