USC athletic director Pat Haden and senior associate athletic director J.K. McKay are lifelong best friends and -- as is often the case with best friends -- they never pass up an opportunity to poke fun at each other.
Both men recently joined the social media world with twitter handles (@ADHadenUSC and @Jk5524JK) and Haden posted a video from his account today which shows McKay “in action” at the Coliseum practice last Saturday which can be seen here.
Haden immediately followed up that post with another message that said “@Jk5524JK Nice to see you haven’t lost a step #FightOn”
Both men recently joined the social media world with twitter handles (@ADHadenUSC and @Jk5524JK) and Haden posted a video from his account today which shows McKay “in action” at the Coliseum practice last Saturday which can be seen here.
Haden immediately followed up that post with another message that said “@Jk5524JK Nice to see you haven’t lost a step #FightOn”
USC targets at NLA Elite 7-on-7 Las Vegas 
March, 26, 2012
3/26/12
7:22
AM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
LAS VEGAS -- The New Level Athletics Elite 7-on-7 tournament lived up to its advanced billing this weekend, as some of the West Coast’s top skill players showed why they are some of the most highly recruited prospect in the country.
The event offered a chance to see some of USC’s top targets, as well as several recruits who could play their way into the Trojans plans as the recruiting season progresses.
Topping the list of attendees was Su’a Cravens (Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta). Likely an outside linebacker at the next level, Cravens starred at safety and wide receiver this weekend, putting together an outstanding two days complete with touchdowns and interceptions. Cravens recently announced he would like to schedule official visits to Michigan, Nebraska and Ohio State, but also said the USC staff has been on him in a big way. They would like him to come down for a spring practice or two, and while Cravens doesn’t have any immediate plans to attend a practice, he did say he would likely be in attendance for USC’s spring game.
The event offered a chance to see some of USC’s top targets, as well as several recruits who could play their way into the Trojans plans as the recruiting season progresses.
Topping the list of attendees was Su’a Cravens (Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta). Likely an outside linebacker at the next level, Cravens starred at safety and wide receiver this weekend, putting together an outstanding two days complete with touchdowns and interceptions. Cravens recently announced he would like to schedule official visits to Michigan, Nebraska and Ohio State, but also said the USC staff has been on him in a big way. They would like him to come down for a spring practice or two, and while Cravens doesn’t have any immediate plans to attend a practice, he did say he would likely be in attendance for USC’s spring game.
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LOS ANGELES -- It wasn’t much of a news item recently when former walk-on Hunter Simmons elected to rejoin the USC football team for the spring semester.
Simmons (6-foot-1, 240 pounds) had been a walk-on fullback for the Trojans since 2009, but hadn’t seen much game action and left the team in the middle of last season.
Yet when the Trojans took the Coliseum field for practice on Saturday, it was Simmons who was pulling double-duty at tight end and fullback while taking part in every play of the practice.
Simmons (6-foot-1, 240 pounds) had been a walk-on fullback for the Trojans since 2009, but hadn’t seen much game action and left the team in the middle of last season.
Yet when the Trojans took the Coliseum field for practice on Saturday, it was Simmons who was pulling double-duty at tight end and fullback while taking part in every play of the practice.
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Cornerback Tee Shepard has not been heard from since he recently withdrew from the University of Notre Dame and moved back to his hometown of Fresno, Calif.
Shepard was in attendance on Saturday at a 7-on-7 passing tournament in Las Vegas and he confirmed that the reason for his departure from Notre Dame was “health-related”, as had been rumored on various social media outlets.
“I had known since high school that there was something with my heart, but I never knew it was anything serious,” Shepard said. “When I took my physical at Notre Dame, they saw it right away. I wasn’t sure what to do, so I dropped out and came home to figure out what to do next.
Shepard was in attendance on Saturday at a 7-on-7 passing tournament in Las Vegas and he confirmed that the reason for his departure from Notre Dame was “health-related”, as had been rumored on various social media outlets.
“I had known since high school that there was something with my heart, but I never knew it was anything serious,” Shepard said. “When I took my physical at Notre Dame, they saw it right away. I wasn’t sure what to do, so I dropped out and came home to figure out what to do next.
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LOS ANGELES -- The Trojans were scheduled to hold a scrimmage on Saturday in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, but there was a change of plans due to a lack of bodies at several offensive skill positions.
The Trojans did not have any scholarship tight ends available, only two scholarship wide receivers and the only scholarship fullback left practice early in the day due to some back issues.
Lane Kiffin simply adjusted and held an extended practice session, and the good news was that there were some pretty good offensive performances from the guys who were out there.
The Trojans did not have any scholarship tight ends available, only two scholarship wide receivers and the only scholarship fullback left practice early in the day due to some back issues.
Lane Kiffin simply adjusted and held an extended practice session, and the good news was that there were some pretty good offensive performances from the guys who were out there.
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LOS ANGELES -- As a senior at West Torrance High School, Brian Baucham won the 2008 California state meet in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles. During his USC career, avoiding obstacles has proved slightly more difficult.
After redshirting his first year at USC, Baucham appeared in five games as a redshirt freshman before abrasions he suffered in a motorcycle accident forced him out of action for three games. He then missed three additional games due to a sprained ankle and toe. He pitched in as a redshirt sophomore to the tune of 20 tackles and two pass deflections, and was set to compete for the starting cornerback position opposite Nickell Robey as redshirt junior in 2011. But academic ineligibility forced him to miss the season and plummet down the position's pecking order.
"It was a struggle in my mindset," Baucham said of the ups and downs of injury and adjusting to a new coaching regime. "I'm an independent kind of guy, but it was learning that we're all a family out here. After I got that mentality in my head -- that they're here to help me and not push me back -- it's excelling now, like an airplane taking off."
After redshirting his first year at USC, Baucham appeared in five games as a redshirt freshman before abrasions he suffered in a motorcycle accident forced him out of action for three games. He then missed three additional games due to a sprained ankle and toe. He pitched in as a redshirt sophomore to the tune of 20 tackles and two pass deflections, and was set to compete for the starting cornerback position opposite Nickell Robey as redshirt junior in 2011. But academic ineligibility forced him to miss the season and plummet down the position's pecking order.
"It was a struggle in my mindset," Baucham said of the ups and downs of injury and adjusting to a new coaching regime. "I'm an independent kind of guy, but it was learning that we're all a family out here. After I got that mentality in my head -- that they're here to help me and not push me back -- it's excelling now, like an airplane taking off."
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LOS ANGELES -- It's getting tough to overstate how impressive Tre Madden has been during his two days at tailback after making the move from outside linebacker. Head coach Lane Kiffin and running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu have consistently stated that this is still a very small sample size and there is a long way to go before the team is relying on Madden for carries in a game this fall. But they also haven't been shy in expressing how pleased they are with his performance to date.
Madden has had to leave practice early for school reasons Tuesday and Thursday, but he has made the most of his time on the field.
"I feel like I'm getting better," Madden said after practice Thursday. "I think I progressed more today than Tuesday."
Madden has had to leave practice early for school reasons Tuesday and Thursday, but he has made the most of his time on the field.
"I feel like I'm getting better," Madden said after practice Thursday. "I think I progressed more today than Tuesday."
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Ra'Shaad Samples now with 30-plus offers
March, 22, 2012
3/22/12
9:48
PM PT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
ESPNU 150 Watch List wide receiver Ra'Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) never thought he’d be one of those players who would balance dozens of offers. All he wanted was a few offers and the chance to participate in an elite all-star game.
As March approaches its final week, Samples not only is entertaining more than 30 offers – his latest being USC on Thursday – but also is still on a high after receiving and accepting the invitation to play in the 2013 Under Armour All-American Game.
“It’s crazy, man. That’s all I can say,” Samples said. “It’s a blessing. It’s getting crazy, but I’m still working hard over here.”
As March approaches its final week, Samples not only is entertaining more than 30 offers – his latest being USC on Thursday – but also is still on a high after receiving and accepting the invitation to play in the 2013 Under Armour All-American Game.
“It’s crazy, man. That’s all I can say,” Samples said. “It’s a blessing. It’s getting crazy, but I’m still working hard over here.”
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While much of the talk after the past two practices has focused on Tre Madden's move to tailback, just as much could be said about one of the guys primarily responsible for shutting him down. After being demoted to the second team for Tuesday's practice after a subpar effort last weekend, George Uko has responded in a big way, drawing praise from head coach Lane Kiffin for his outstanding play.
"He has really responded," Kiffin said of Uko and the wrist slap he received. "He had a dominant practice on Tuesday and he is doing a great job."
The Trojans graduated both interior defensive linemen from last year's team and it's no secret that much of the responsibility inside will fall on Uko's shoulders as the starting defensive tackle. That's something that is just fine with the 6-foot-3, 285-pound redshirt sophomore.
"He has really responded," Kiffin said of Uko and the wrist slap he received. "He had a dominant practice on Tuesday and he is doing a great job."
The Trojans graduated both interior defensive linemen from last year's team and it's no secret that much of the responsibility inside will fall on Uko's shoulders as the starting defensive tackle. That's something that is just fine with the 6-foot-3, 285-pound redshirt sophomore.
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In this episode of RecruitingNation 411, we preview this weekend's Elite 11 regional camp and the Nike Football Training Camp. Both events are in Dallas, and are the first events of their kind this season. Our recruiting experts also go over the recruiting battle between Michigan and Ohio State, a commitment for LSU, and the latest on two highly sought after West Coast prospects.
LOS ANGELES -- Spring ball is the time to try new things. There are no games waiting to played each week in spring, so it’s always a great opportunity to look at different combinations or at players in new roles to see how they will respond.
Lane Kiffin and the Trojans are certainly taking advantage of that, and this week is a great example of how Kiffin is willing to use this time of the year for experimentation.
The biggest splash this week came with the news that Tre Madden would get a look at running back. Madden had been singled out during the first week of spring for his terrific play on defense, specifically in the first full-pads practice, when he took reps with the first unit at strong side linebacker with Dion Bailey out due to injury.
Lane Kiffin and the Trojans are certainly taking advantage of that, and this week is a great example of how Kiffin is willing to use this time of the year for experimentation.
The biggest splash this week came with the news that Tre Madden would get a look at running back. Madden had been singled out during the first week of spring for his terrific play on defense, specifically in the first full-pads practice, when he took reps with the first unit at strong side linebacker with Dion Bailey out due to injury.
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What are the top three things you are watching for during Saturday's scrimmage?
Garry Paskwietz
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Bell previews ND visit; talks USC interest
March, 22, 2012
3/22/12
7:28
AM PT
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Tre’ Bell (Jersey City, N.J./St. Peter’s Prep) picked up his offer from Notre Dame on Mar. 8. It didn’t take long for Bell to schedule his unofficial visit to the Fighting Irish after that.
One of the top cornerbacks in the Mid-Atlantic will visit South Bend, Ind., this coming weekend.
“I want to check out the campus and stuff like that,” Bell said. “I want to meet all the coaching staff and get to watch practice. I can’t wait to see that.”
One of the top cornerbacks in the Mid-Atlantic will visit South Bend, Ind., this coming weekend.
“I want to check out the campus and stuff like that,” Bell said. “I want to meet all the coaching staff and get to watch practice. I can’t wait to see that.”
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Here is a listing and bio information for the 2012 spring football walk-ons (courtesy of USC sports information):
No. Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthday Cl.(Ath/Ac) Exp. Hometown (High School/JC/College)
36 AKIBA, John TB 5-8 190 8/5/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo/Saddleback JC)
54 ARAKELIAN, Michael DE 6-1 210 10/26/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- Anaheim (Orange Lutheran/Chapman)
44 AVIV, Yonatan FB 6-0 270 7/25/90 So.*/Jr. -- Los Angeles (Yula)
26 DARLIN, Spencer WR 5-10 175 2/12/92 So.*/Jr. -- Encinitas (La Costa Canyon)
84 DOWNEY JR., Kevin TE 6-3 210 8/27/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- West Hills (El Camino Real/Pierce JC)
28 FU, Kevin WR 6-3 170 6/12/92 So.*/Jr. -- San Jose (Harker)
40 HUGHES, Brett WR 6-2 195 5/22/93 Fr.*/So. -- Mountain View (Mountain View)
38 JOLIN, Taylor S 6-2 195 12/26/91 So.*/Jr. -- San Diego (La Costa Canyon)
91 KUSNIR, Zack DT 6-5 250 2/6/89 Sr.*/Sr. SQ La Jolla (La Jolla Country Day/San Diego St.)
41 MATRANGA, Eric WR 5-10 180 1/13/90 Sr.*/Sr. TR Carmichael (Jesuit/San Joaquin Delta JC/Glendale JC)
46 SIMMONS, Hunter FB 6-1 240 9/20/90 Jr.*/Sr. 1V Pasadena (Loyola)
49 SUTTON, Christian CB 5-10 185 6/25/93 Fr.*/So. TR Suwanee, GA (North Gwinnett/Point)
27 TOBER, William CB 5-9 170 10/3/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- San Clemente (San Clemente)
49 UCHE, Chidozie WR 5-10 180 8/18/90 Sr.*/Sr. -- London, England (Strake Jesuit)
No. Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthday Cl.(Ath/Ac) Exp. Hometown (High School/JC/College)
36 AKIBA, John TB 5-8 190 8/5/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo/Saddleback JC)
54 ARAKELIAN, Michael DE 6-1 210 10/26/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- Anaheim (Orange Lutheran/Chapman)
44 AVIV, Yonatan FB 6-0 270 7/25/90 So.*/Jr. -- Los Angeles (Yula)
26 DARLIN, Spencer WR 5-10 175 2/12/92 So.*/Jr. -- Encinitas (La Costa Canyon)
84 DOWNEY JR., Kevin TE 6-3 210 8/27/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- West Hills (El Camino Real/Pierce JC)
28 FU, Kevin WR 6-3 170 6/12/92 So.*/Jr. -- San Jose (Harker)
40 HUGHES, Brett WR 6-2 195 5/22/93 Fr.*/So. -- Mountain View (Mountain View)
38 JOLIN, Taylor S 6-2 195 12/26/91 So.*/Jr. -- San Diego (La Costa Canyon)
91 KUSNIR, Zack DT 6-5 250 2/6/89 Sr.*/Sr. SQ La Jolla (La Jolla Country Day/San Diego St.)
41 MATRANGA, Eric WR 5-10 180 1/13/90 Sr.*/Sr. TR Carmichael (Jesuit/San Joaquin Delta JC/Glendale JC)
46 SIMMONS, Hunter FB 6-1 240 9/20/90 Jr.*/Sr. 1V Pasadena (Loyola)
49 SUTTON, Christian CB 5-10 185 6/25/93 Fr.*/So. TR Suwanee, GA (North Gwinnett/Point)
27 TOBER, William CB 5-9 170 10/3/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- San Clemente (San Clemente)
49 UCHE, Chidozie WR 5-10 180 8/18/90 Sr.*/Sr. -- London, England (Strake Jesuit)
While Tuesday's moves on offense generated the most attention, as Tre Madden worked at tailback and the offensive tackles flipped sides, there was a notable change in the defensive secondary, as Demetrius Wright went with the first team at strong safety.
This early in spring ball, the coaches have shown that they will look to shake things up and give backups opportunities to make an impact. On Tuesday, Wright was ready for his chance.
"They said for me to run with the ones," Wright said of the USC coaches. "Prove yourself, pretty much. That's all that was said."
This early in spring ball, the coaches have shown that they will look to shake things up and give backups opportunities to make an impact. On Tuesday, Wright was ready for his chance.
"They said for me to run with the ones," Wright said of the USC coaches. "Prove yourself, pretty much. That's all that was said."
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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.