As Spring Football begins today, USC head coach Clay Helton and his newly assembled staff will continue the process of implementing their schemes and philosophies to create a team with a physical, aggressive identity on both sides of the football."I am looking forward to entering the 2016 season as a new coach not only with a roster of talented players with whom I already have a relationship, but with a coaching staff that I believe is exceptional," said Helton. "We want to run the ball on offense, stop the run defensively, play great special teams and not turn over the ball. However, there is a lot of development that must be done before the 2016 season and it starts with our time in spring practice and fall camp. I have no doubt that this staff will prepare our players well for the upcoming season.
On offense, Tee Martin now runs the show, having proven his value as one of the nation's best position coaches and recruiters over the last six years. He will be tasked by Helton with creating a power identity."Our offense will be very consistent to what Trojan fans have seen in the past," said Helton. "Tee not only is an outstanding play caller, but he has been with us long enough to understand what works well here. We want to keep defenses off balance by being balanced offensively. We believe we have the personnel to run the ball effectively and physically and to be explosive in the passing game. At the end of the day, though, we know that we must be able to run the ball and not turn it over."
On the other side of the ball, Clancy Pendergast is back after leading the Trojans to the top of the league in total defense during his one-year stint as USC defensive coordinator in 2013.
"After seeing how effective the 5-2 defense was here in 2013 under Clancy, I'm excited to see it in action with the current personnel we have," said Helton. "It's an aggressive, attacking system and I believe it's the perfect fit for us. We want to stop the run and get to the quarterback, and create turnovers."
And last but not least, Helton understands the importance of special teams. To that end, he brought back John Baxter, who is widely considered a leader in the profession."We are extremely fortunate that John came back to coach our special teams," said Helton. "He is one of the most respected special teams coordinators in the game. His trademark is impactful, creative special teams play.
