Dispatch from Howard Jones

By Jordan Moore on August 20, 2009 11:27 AM | 1 Comment

Thoughts from Thursday morning's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...

- The sharp return of Aaron Corp highlighted the short helmets-only workout, as the quarterback went 8-for-9 with four touchdowns during a red-zone 7-on-7 period, 10 days after a cracked fibula knocked him out of practice. "Obviously he was ready to throw the football," Coach Carroll said of the rust-free Corp, who threw with remarkable accuracy. "He had a great 7-on-7 period. It's awesome to see him back out here."

- Perhaps sensing the competition from Corp, Matt Barkley rose to the occasion Thursday morning, going 10-for-11 during 7-on-7 drills, including completions on his first 10 passes -- all against the first-team defense.

- Fueled by the near-perfect performances of Barkley and Corp, the offense blew out the defense, 18-4, during the 7-on-7 passing-focused period. On the very next play after the dominating period, the offense ran a QB kneel play to jokingly celebrate the big win.

- Behind a sack-happy frontline, the defense rebounded from the rough 7-on-7 drills with an 11-9 victory in the final team period.

- Wideout Brice Butler caught three touchdowns in 7-on-7 drills, including one leaping grab that saw him jump over the cornerback and pluck the ball out of the air on a fade route in the end zone.

- Scouts from five NFL teams attended the workout.

University Southern California Trojans

Dispatch from Howard Jones

Dispatch from Howard Jones

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