2019 Fresno State Wednesday: Notes

The Trojans are putting the final touches on their preparation for the 2019 season opener versus Fresno State on Saturday.

USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast worked under Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford at Cal from 2010-12, so he has some understanding of Tedford's tendencies. "One thing I do know about him: He's going to always utilize his players," Pendergast said. "He's got a productive running back, he's got a productive tight end, and he's got a group of receivers that I know have a lot of talent."

The Bulldog receivers will go up a youthful group of USC DBs on Saturday. DB coach Greg Burns hopes the young Trojans will stick to their guns when they get out there under the bright lights. "The one thing that I'm going to be honing in on is if when the game starts, do they change their technique or are they trusting their training?," Burns said. "Do you revert to something random or do you stick to your training?"

Sophomore DB Olaijah Griffin is confidence in the group's potential despite its youth. "Even though we're a young group, I think all of us are pretty mature," he said. "I think we're going to do pretty good this year.

Though the group is young, Burns pointed out a few leaders. "Greg Johnson I would say steps up as a leader," he said. "Talanoa [Hufanga] leads quietly and by example on the field. Isaiah [Pola-Mao] speaks in regards to the energy level and intensity. Same with C.J. Pollard."

Hufanga, who started five games as a freshman before breaking his collarbone, said he's trying to use his leadership position to bring the DB group closer together. "I'm trying to bring younger guys up," he said. "I think all of us are coming together to play as one. If we do that, at the end of the day, great things will come."

Pendergast agreed that "playing as one" is crucial, which is why he substitutes so infrequently. "I've always felt there's a cohesiveness where the back seven needs to play together ... It's a different feel to go in there for three plays after being out for 15 and have to go cover their best slot receiver," Pendergast explained. "I'd rather have a guy that's been out there and get lathered up and have a feel for it. Generally, he has a better chance to do that than a guy cold off the bench."

While Pendergast prefers continuity, the defense is planning on rotating in multiple DBs on Saturday and has been training certain players at multiple positions. Greg Johnson, for example, has been practicing at both corner and nickel. "He's got coverage skills and he also demonstrates the ability to be very physical and explosive," said Pendergast of Johnson. "You can see a big difference in his ability when he's playing the nickel. He's closer to the ball, he takes real sharp angles when he breaks and can get in an out of cuts, so I'm really excited about seeing him play."

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