- The emphasis today was on situational football. The offense practice being backed up at its own goal line, trying to dig out of the hole with a pair of first downs. They were successful the first two series, but then the defense stepped up to force a pick-six by freshman Cam Smith and a safety by Cody Temple.
- The Finish Challenge focused on two-point plays, and the defense prevailed thanks to LB Lamar Dawson's interception in the end zone. "He's just been a really active player for us," said head coach Steve Sarkisian about Dawson's comeback this spring.
- With Anthony Sarao out this spring, Olajuwon Tucker has started at middle linebacker alongside Lamar Dawson. Named after the great NBA center, Olajuwon is actually known to his family, friends and teammates as "Buddha" because he was such a chubby baby. Sarkisian pointed out that Tucker's greatest improvement this spring was losing any remaining baby weight and turning into a chiseled force in the middle.
- The Trojans will be much bigger as a linebacker corps in year two under Sarkisian, and that is not by accident. The head coach explained that against spread offenses, which are prevalent in the Pac-12, linebackers need to be able to shed one-on-one blocks in the run game, so the combination of size and speed is required to be great on defense.
- Leonard Williams attended practice much to the delight of his teammates and coaches. The presumptive Top 5 pick has not lost the humility that makes him so popular with everyone in the program. "I just think it's neat that Leonard wants to be out here," said Sarkisian. "That guy could be doing anything right now, but he's out here with us."
- Williams' presence also inspires the defensive linemen to "show out for their buddy," said Sarkisian. That group has the tall task of replacing Williams, who Delvon Simmons described as "a baller," but they will do it as a unit. "We can play where ever," Simmons said about the interchangeable parts on the defensive line this season. "We are all X's."
- Su'a Cravens continues to make plays. He has been nearly unblockable coming off the edge on blitzes. "You see Su'a everyday," said defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox about the impactful junior.
- At cornerback, senior Kevon Seymour is trusting his instincts and making plays on the ball. "Kevon Seymour has knocked down more passes this spring than he has the entire time that we have been here," said Wilcox about his noticeable improvement this spring.
- The Trojans were visited by the Wounded Warriors Battalion West at practice today. Sarkisian thanked the men for their service and took a photo with them after practice.
