What do you think of the position switch of Tony Burnett?
Garry Paskwietz: It makes a lot of sense because the Trojans need a backup to Dion Bailey now that Tre Madden has moved to RB. Marquis Simmons has yet to show he can stay healthy. Burnett has really shown flashes this spring, after his return to safety, of being the player we saw with 10 tackles against Notre Dame in 2010. The move to corner didn’t work last season because he wasn’t good in coverage against top receivers, but he still has speed and he can still hit. As Bailey showed last season, if you have those two skills you can do well at SLB. Burnett was stuck behind a lot of other good safeties, so why not take a look at this? It just might work.
Erik McKinney: Moving Burnett to strongside linebacker seems to make a ton of sense. The whole reason he saw the field in the first place was because of his ability to make sure tackles. He won't be asked to cover as much of the field at outside linebacker, but when he is asked to cover it will be something he is used to doing. The size question is brought up whenever a player is moved from safety to linebacker, but how many times does it have to work before that becomes a non-issue? As Lane Kiffin has pointed out several times, not many teams are going to line up in power and try to take advantage of a size mismatch in the first two levels. It's far more important to be able to run sideline to sideline and make solid tackles when needed. Burnett can excel there.
Garry Paskwietz: It makes a lot of sense because the Trojans need a backup to Dion Bailey now that Tre Madden has moved to RB. Marquis Simmons has yet to show he can stay healthy. Burnett has really shown flashes this spring, after his return to safety, of being the player we saw with 10 tackles against Notre Dame in 2010. The move to corner didn’t work last season because he wasn’t good in coverage against top receivers, but he still has speed and he can still hit. As Bailey showed last season, if you have those two skills you can do well at SLB. Burnett was stuck behind a lot of other good safeties, so why not take a look at this? It just might work.
Erik McKinney: Moving Burnett to strongside linebacker seems to make a ton of sense. The whole reason he saw the field in the first place was because of his ability to make sure tackles. He won't be asked to cover as much of the field at outside linebacker, but when he is asked to cover it will be something he is used to doing. The size question is brought up whenever a player is moved from safety to linebacker, but how many times does it have to work before that becomes a non-issue? As Lane Kiffin has pointed out several times, not many teams are going to line up in power and try to take advantage of a size mismatch in the first two levels. It's far more important to be able to run sideline to sideline and make solid tackles when needed. Burnett can excel there.
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Browne couldn't pass up USC opportunity 
April, 5, 2012
4/05/12
8:05
AM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Wednesday night, quarterback Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) announced his commitment to the USC Trojans in a small ceremony at his high school. Browne said he didn't want to make too big a deal out of the ceremony, only inviting friends and family, but he also realized it was an important step in his life.
"I know that I'm going to play college football now," Browne said. "I can't wait to join the Trojan family."
It was an interesting recruiting process for Browne. It began just after his freshman year, but USC didn't enter the picture until Feb. 1, which meant the Trojans earned a commitment from the star quarterback with just more than two months of work.
"I know that I'm going to play college football now," Browne said. "I can't wait to join the Trojan family."
It was an interesting recruiting process for Browne. It began just after his freshman year, but USC didn't enter the picture until Feb. 1, which meant the Trojans earned a commitment from the star quarterback with just more than two months of work.
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USC continued its recruiting roll Wednesday evening as ESPNU 150 Watch List quarterback Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) made a verbal commitment to coach Lane Kiffin and the Trojans.
After missing out on signing a quarterback in the class of 2012, the Trojans turned their full attention to Browne in this year’s class, as they offered a scholarship during his unofficial visit to campus in early February for USC’s junior day. Browne said the offer caught him off guard initially, as he was expecting the Trojans to wait until the spring evaluation period to determine whether or not they would offer.
Over the two months that followed, there were several big draws for Browne to USC, and many of them began with quarterback Matt Barkley.
After missing out on signing a quarterback in the class of 2012, the Trojans turned their full attention to Browne in this year’s class, as they offered a scholarship during his unofficial visit to campus in early February for USC’s junior day. Browne said the offer caught him off guard initially, as he was expecting the Trojans to wait until the spring evaluation period to determine whether or not they would offer.
Over the two months that followed, there were several big draws for Browne to USC, and many of them began with quarterback Matt Barkley.
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Barkley, teammates prepare for Haiti trip
April, 4, 2012
4/04/12
7:07
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
USC quarterback Matt Barkley is set to make a Heisman run this fall. But before that takes place, he’ll make a humanitarian run this spring, as he -- along with his family and 15 USC teammates -- will travel to Haiti on May 14 as part of Hope Force International. The group will spend five days building houses and transporting more than 2,000 pounds of supplies for orphanages and schools to help in Haiti’s ongoing recovery from a catastrophic earthquake in 2010.
The group will include Barkley, Dion Bailey, Luke Freeman, Kevin Greene, Cyrus Hobbi, Khaled Holmes, Devon Kennard, Cody Kessler, T.J. McDonald, Kyle Negrete, Hayes Pullard, Nickell Robey, Josh Shaw, Scott Starr, Max Wittek and Robert Woods. This will be Barkley’s second trip of this kind, as he and his family -- along with Negrete --spent 11 days in Jos, Nigeria, in December 2010, delivering supplies, toys and hygiene kits to the community.
Barkley’s father, Les, traveled to Haiti in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, which established some contacts and made it the choice when it came time to pick a location.
The group will include Barkley, Dion Bailey, Luke Freeman, Kevin Greene, Cyrus Hobbi, Khaled Holmes, Devon Kennard, Cody Kessler, T.J. McDonald, Kyle Negrete, Hayes Pullard, Nickell Robey, Josh Shaw, Scott Starr, Max Wittek and Robert Woods. This will be Barkley’s second trip of this kind, as he and his family -- along with Negrete --spent 11 days in Jos, Nigeria, in December 2010, delivering supplies, toys and hygiene kits to the community.
Barkley’s father, Les, traveled to Haiti in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, which established some contacts and made it the choice when it came time to pick a location.
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Final vote expected soon on Coliseum
April, 4, 2012
4/04/12
12:54
PM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
A final vote on the plan to turn over control of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to USC could come as early as next month, according to multiple sources.
If the plan is approved as expected by the Coliseum Commission, the Los Angeles Times reports that the university would be responsible for day-to-day operations, staffing and event scheduling plus they would also get naming and advertising rights to the stadium. USC officials have previously stated that they would be looking to make $70 million worth of improvements to the stadium and surrounding property (the deal includes an option for the parking lots, the freeway signage and the Sports Arena, which could include plans to use that space for alternate use).
If the plan is approved as expected by the Coliseum Commission, the Los Angeles Times reports that the university would be responsible for day-to-day operations, staffing and event scheduling plus they would also get naming and advertising rights to the stadium. USC officials have previously stated that they would be looking to make $70 million worth of improvements to the stadium and surrounding property (the deal includes an option for the parking lots, the freeway signage and the Sports Arena, which could include plans to use that space for alternate use).
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The USC Trojans have done a tremendous job recruiting the tight end position in recent years, a fact reflected in the depth chart, with Randall Telfer, Xavier Grimble, Christian Thomas, Junior Pomee and incoming freshman Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick.
This year, Lane Kiffin and staff once again could have a chance to add the top tight end prospect in California in 6-foot-4, 220-pound Marcus Baugh (Riverside, Calif./J.W. North). Baugh, along with coaches and teammates from J.W. North, visited USC on Tuesday and took in the Trojans practice. The tight end doesn't hold an offer from USC at this point, but has collected them from schools such as Ohio State, Florida, UCLA, California and Nebraska.
"I love going to USC," Baugh said. "The campus is beautiful and it's only an hour and a half away."
This year, Lane Kiffin and staff once again could have a chance to add the top tight end prospect in California in 6-foot-4, 220-pound Marcus Baugh (Riverside, Calif./J.W. North). Baugh, along with coaches and teammates from J.W. North, visited USC on Tuesday and took in the Trojans practice. The tight end doesn't hold an offer from USC at this point, but has collected them from schools such as Ohio State, Florida, UCLA, California and Nebraska.
"I love going to USC," Baugh said. "The campus is beautiful and it's only an hour and a half away."
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LOS ANGELES -- In watching Tony Burnett over the past several years, one thing has become clear. The guy knows how to jump around.
Burnett originally attended USC on a track scholarship, where he took part in the long jump and triple jump, winning the Trojan Tri-Meet and Trojan Invitational in the latter last season. Eventually, Burnett found his way over to the football team and began his career as a safety before moving to cornerback last season. Tuesday saw Burnett make yet another leap up one level, as he ran with the first unit at strongside linebacker.
“I’m a pretty quick learner and I’m having to learn things fast,” Burnett said. “They threw me into the fire. It was pretty good for my first day ever playing the position.”
Burnett originally attended USC on a track scholarship, where he took part in the long jump and triple jump, winning the Trojan Tri-Meet and Trojan Invitational in the latter last season. Eventually, Burnett found his way over to the football team and began his career as a safety before moving to cornerback last season. Tuesday saw Burnett make yet another leap up one level, as he ran with the first unit at strongside linebacker.
“I’m a pretty quick learner and I’m having to learn things fast,” Burnett said. “They threw me into the fire. It was pretty good for my first day ever playing the position.”
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A group of 15 USC Trojans football players will be heading to Haiti next month to build houses and deliver supplies.
Haiti was hit by an earthquake in 2010 that severely damaged parts of the country and the USC players will be part of a humanitarian effort to build three houses and transport more than 2,000 pounds of supplies.
The group will be part of an effort sponsored by Hope Force International and will be working in the community of Sous Savanne. The group departs May 14 and will stay in Haiti until May 19.
USC quarterback Matt Barkley and his family have led the way in putting together the trip and they will been joined by several other Trojans players, including T.J. McDonald, Robert Woods, Khaled Holmes, Kyle Negrete, Nickell Robey, Devon Kennard, Hayes Pullard, Max Wittek, Cody Kessler, Scott Starr, Josh Shaw, Cyrus Hobbi, Kevin Greene and Luke Freeman.
Haiti was hit by an earthquake in 2010 that severely damaged parts of the country and the USC players will be part of a humanitarian effort to build three houses and transport more than 2,000 pounds of supplies.
The group will be part of an effort sponsored by Hope Force International and will be working in the community of Sous Savanne. The group departs May 14 and will stay in Haiti until May 19.
USC quarterback Matt Barkley and his family have led the way in putting together the trip and they will been joined by several other Trojans players, including T.J. McDonald, Robert Woods, Khaled Holmes, Kyle Negrete, Nickell Robey, Devon Kennard, Hayes Pullard, Max Wittek, Cody Kessler, Scott Starr, Josh Shaw, Cyrus Hobbi, Kevin Greene and Luke Freeman.
ESPNU 150 Watchlist member Michael Hutchings (Concord, Calif./De La Salle) talks with RecruitingNation at the Los Angeles Nike Football Training Camp.
It’s not often that LSU wanders to the Pacific Coast in search for high school players.
So when LSU secondary coach Corey Raymond called one of the top 2013 defensive backs last week, you might say it was a little unexpected.
“I was really surprised,” said safety Max Redfield, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety from Mission Viejo, Calif., who is also an ESPNU 150 Watch List member. “I had only talked to Coach Raymond a little bit, and I got an offer.”
So when LSU secondary coach Corey Raymond called one of the top 2013 defensive backs last week, you might say it was a little unexpected.
“I was really surprised,” said safety Max Redfield, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety from Mission Viejo, Calif., who is also an ESPNU 150 Watch List member. “I had only talked to Coach Raymond a little bit, and I got an offer.”
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Armstead to conduct workout for NFL scouts
April, 3, 2012
4/03/12
11:35
AM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
Former USC defensive tackle Armond Armstead will be working out on Wednesday for NFL scouts at Cal State Sacramento.
The most important test for Armstead in terms of his future plans will probably not come on the field, however. It will likely come in the off-field tests by NFL doctors.
Armstead, who graduated from USC last December, was not allowed to work out with the other Trojans players at the USC Pro Day in March because of on-going medical issues.
It has been one year since Armstead was originally hospitalized with chest pains, and he was never cleared by USC doctors to return to the field in 2011. Armstead looked at several options -- including transferring to another school as he had one year of eligibility left -- but he eventually decided to move forward with his professional career and enter the NFL draft.
The situation with his medical status remains unclear. Due to privacy and legal concerns, USC is not allowed to comment on the details of his case. The Armstead family has said that tests with other doctors have ruled out a heart condition and that his health is not an issue, but have not provided any other details beyond that.
Any NFL team that looks to draft or sign Armstead as a free agent will obviously want to conduct their own medical tests to determine his status. If he is indeed free of any real issues, then it’s easy to imagine that he will be in an NFL camp next fall. Armstead clearly has some physical gifts that will warrant a team giving him a look, provided the medical questions are cleared to their satisfaction.
The most important test for Armstead in terms of his future plans will probably not come on the field, however. It will likely come in the off-field tests by NFL doctors.
Armstead, who graduated from USC last December, was not allowed to work out with the other Trojans players at the USC Pro Day in March because of on-going medical issues.
It has been one year since Armstead was originally hospitalized with chest pains, and he was never cleared by USC doctors to return to the field in 2011. Armstead looked at several options -- including transferring to another school as he had one year of eligibility left -- but he eventually decided to move forward with his professional career and enter the NFL draft.
The situation with his medical status remains unclear. Due to privacy and legal concerns, USC is not allowed to comment on the details of his case. The Armstead family has said that tests with other doctors have ruled out a heart condition and that his health is not an issue, but have not provided any other details beyond that.
Any NFL team that looks to draft or sign Armstead as a free agent will obviously want to conduct their own medical tests to determine his status. If he is indeed free of any real issues, then it’s easy to imagine that he will be in an NFL camp next fall. Armstead clearly has some physical gifts that will warrant a team giving him a look, provided the medical questions are cleared to their satisfaction.
5 things we learned at LA Nike Camp
April, 3, 2012
4/03/12
10:29
AM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
• This defensive back group is as good as advertised: We knew coming into the camp that the secondary was supposed to be the highlight and that definitely turned out to be the case. There was elite talent at the high end but also no shortage of other guys who could really play. If you’re a Pac-12 school and you need DBs, this is a good year to grab them.
• Joe Mathis is a legit national recruit: There were some eyebrows raised last week when defending national champion Alabama reached across the country to offer a scholarship to Mathis (Upland, Calif./Upland). It was notable that the offer came as a linebacker, but Mathis went out at the Nike Camp as a defensive end and proved that his pass-rush skills are among the best around.
• Wide receiver group was better than expected: The last few years in the Southern California area has been a terrific run on big-time wide receivers, but there didn’t seem to be that top-end talent in this class. After seeing the receivers in action on Sunday, however, this is still a very good group that can hold their own.
• Joe Mathis is a legit national recruit: There were some eyebrows raised last week when defending national champion Alabama reached across the country to offer a scholarship to Mathis (Upland, Calif./Upland). It was notable that the offer came as a linebacker, but Mathis went out at the Nike Camp as a defensive end and proved that his pass-rush skills are among the best around.
• Wide receiver group was better than expected: The last few years in the Southern California area has been a terrific run on big-time wide receivers, but there didn’t seem to be that top-end talent in this class. After seeing the receivers in action on Sunday, however, this is still a very good group that can hold their own.
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Watch List QB Browne to announce Wednesday
April, 3, 2012
4/03/12
9:29
AM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline), one of the nation's top quarterback recruits, will announce his commitment Wednesday evening.
Browne has narrowed his choices to Alabama, Oklahoma, USC and Washington, although with recent visits to see the Sooners and Trojans, most think it will come down to those two programs.
Browne has narrowed his choices to Alabama, Oklahoma, USC and Washington, although with recent visits to see the Sooners and Trojans, most think it will come down to those two programs.
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NORWALK, Calif. -- There was plenty of hand wringing among USC fans in February when Trojans linebacker coach Joe Barry left for a similar position with the San Diego Chargers and top linebacker recruit Michael Hutchings (Concord, Calif./De La Salle) almost immediately cancelled his visit to USC for junior day. He maintained his interest in the Trojans and said he would still visit USC this summer and fall, but Hutchings seemed to be wavering -- however slightly -- in his long-held stance that USC topped his list without a clear No. 2.
USC fans can breathe a little easier now, after Hutchings combined a Los Angeles Nike Football Training Camp appearance with a visit to Lane Kiffin and staff. Of particular interest to Hutchings was spending time with new linebackers coach Scottie Hazelton.
"That was probably the most important part of the visit - -my relationship with Coach Hazelton," Hutchings said. "Getting time with him and getting to talk football with him -- that was fun. I got to know him and he's great. He's just like coach Barry -- they're teachers and not really screamers. They like to get pumped up, but they are teachers first. He knows what's going on in that defense and that's something I really liked and thought highly of. We understood each other great. I loved him."
USC fans can breathe a little easier now, after Hutchings combined a Los Angeles Nike Football Training Camp appearance with a visit to Lane Kiffin and staff. Of particular interest to Hutchings was spending time with new linebackers coach Scottie Hazelton.
"That was probably the most important part of the visit - -my relationship with Coach Hazelton," Hutchings said. "Getting time with him and getting to talk football with him -- that was fun. I got to know him and he's great. He's just like coach Barry -- they're teachers and not really screamers. They like to get pumped up, but they are teachers first. He knows what's going on in that defense and that's something I really liked and thought highly of. We understood each other great. I loved him."
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Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., cornerback Chris Hawkins talks about his commitment to USC.
ABOUT WE ARE SC
Garry Paskwietz
Garry Paskwietz is the publisher and founder of WeAreSC.com and has covered the Trojans since 1997. Send him an email at garry@wearesc.com.
Blair Angulo
Blair Angulo covers USC Trojans recruiting. He joined ESPNLA.com in 2010 and also interned at the Los Angeles Daily News. Email him at blair.angulo@gmail.com.