USC Trojans: Christian Thomas
LOS ANGELES -- The USC Trojans opened up the 2013 spring ball practice session with a spirited workout, which is typical for the first day of spring.
“I thought things looked good today,” USC coach Lane Kiffin said. “That is usually the case in spring, guys are fired up to get out here and start going to work. I also liked what I saw from our coaches, especially since some of them have only been with us for a short time. They were really ready to go.”
One of the new items to watch for the Trojans this spring is the 5-2 defense which is run by new defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Kiffin said that getting the new defense set is the top priority of spring and the highlight play of the day was an example of how the defense can shine. Jabari Ruffin -- who was lined up at defensive end -- had an interception of a Cody Kessler pass after dropping back into coverage and leaping in the air to make the play.
Kessler is part of what is expected to be an intense quarterback competition along with Max Wittek and Max Browne. Kiffin said Kessler was on schedule to be named MVP of the day until the interception and he also liked what he saw from his true freshman.
“I thought things looked good today,” USC coach Lane Kiffin said. “That is usually the case in spring, guys are fired up to get out here and start going to work. I also liked what I saw from our coaches, especially since some of them have only been with us for a short time. They were really ready to go.”
One of the new items to watch for the Trojans this spring is the 5-2 defense which is run by new defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Kiffin said that getting the new defense set is the top priority of spring and the highlight play of the day was an example of how the defense can shine. Jabari Ruffin -- who was lined up at defensive end -- had an interception of a Cody Kessler pass after dropping back into coverage and leaping in the air to make the play.
Kessler is part of what is expected to be an intense quarterback competition along with Max Wittek and Max Browne. Kiffin said Kessler was on schedule to be named MVP of the day until the interception and he also liked what he saw from his true freshman.
With the start of spring practice set for Tuesday, here’s a position-by-position look at who you can expect to see lining up for the Trojans on offense.
Quarterback
Quarterback
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Early look: 2013 offensive depth chart 
February, 8, 2013
Feb 8
8:00
AM PT
By Johnny Curren | ESPN.com
With signing day now in the books, here’s a look at where the current USC depth chart might stand on the offensive side of the ball with the new additions factored in.
Quarterback
Max Wittek (6-4, 235, RS So.) OR
Cody Kessler (6-1, 215, RS So.) OR
Max Browne (6-5, 215, Fr.).
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LOS ANGELES -- USC coach Lane Kiffin has expressed hope this week that four players who have missed the Trojans' recent games because of injuries could be back by next week's game against Utah.
The foursome -- running back D.J. Morgan, receiver George Farmer, tight end Christian Thomas and defensive end J.R. Tavai -- have all missed at least the last two games.
"We're trying to develop all those guys so they can get snaps here and there," Kiffin said.
Morgan carried seven times in Week 1 before undergoing minor knee surgery. Farmer and Tavai played in the first two games before staying home from Stanford for unspecified reasons and staying on the sideline against Cal. (Kiffin said Farmer was not medically cleared as of Sunday.) Thomas still hasn't suited up for a game since September 2011.
Tavai, a sophomore was a starter in games one and two. The other three guys could all presumably help immediately on special teams if cleared for competition.
That's one of USC's goals, then, for the bye this week: getting some crucial special-teamers back.
The foursome -- running back D.J. Morgan, receiver George Farmer, tight end Christian Thomas and defensive end J.R. Tavai -- have all missed at least the last two games.
"We're trying to develop all those guys so they can get snaps here and there," Kiffin said.
Morgan carried seven times in Week 1 before undergoing minor knee surgery. Farmer and Tavai played in the first two games before staying home from Stanford for unspecified reasons and staying on the sideline against Cal. (Kiffin said Farmer was not medically cleared as of Sunday.) Thomas still hasn't suited up for a game since September 2011.
Tavai, a sophomore was a starter in games one and two. The other three guys could all presumably help immediately on special teams if cleared for competition.
That's one of USC's goals, then, for the bye this week: getting some crucial special-teamers back.
CB Wiley ineligible; fall camp winds down
August, 24, 2012
8/24/12
5:50
PM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
USC head coach Lane Kiffin announced after practice that linebacker Marquis Simmons and cornerback Brian Baucham were ruled academically eligible for the 2012 season, but cornerback Isiah Wiley did not qualify.
Kiffin said Wiley, a junior college transfer who started the last six games of the 2011 season, will look to play this year and USC will help him do that, which likely means he will transfer.
"It's good to get Simmons and Baucham back, those are two veteran guys at positions of need. They can also help with special teams," Kiffin said. "Wiley is a loss but we move forward. We worked all spring without him and his loss will be felt less because we did things that way. Outside of that one guy, we did well academically."
Friday was a light practice, helmets and no pads, as the Trojans begin the process of winding down fall camp. The team will simulate a home-game atmosphere by staying in the team hotel Friday night, holding a situational scrimmage Saturday morning and then attending the annual Salute to Troy event Saturday afternoon.
The scrimmage will not be a physical one, Kiffin said. It primarily will involve substitutions, communication between coaches and players, timing of getting in and out of the huddle, etc. Kiffin said the scrimmage will have no bearing on position battles such as the backup quarterback spot.
Junior Pomee was out there today working with the tight end group and he looked good in pass patterns. Christian Thomas did not have a helmet on but he was out there for early agility drills and even shadowed the other players for a few reps. That was as much as we've seen from Thomas in a while, so that could be an encouraging sign that he's getting closer to a return to the field. Randall Telfer did not take part in practice.
Wes Horton and Lamar Dawson also were held out.
When the team got together for 11-on-11 work today, here were the starting lineups:
Offense: Barkley, McNeal, Vainuku, Woods, Lee, Grimble, Walker, Martin, Holmes, Martinez, Graf
Defense: Breslin, Uko, Woods, Greene, Sarao, Pullard, Bailey, Robey, Brown, McDonald, Starling
Barkley led the first unit on a touchdown drive at the end of practice. Kiffin put 1:31 on the clock with the offense on their own 20-yard line. The offense got a couple first downs before facing a third down at their own 45, kicker Andre Heidari yelled from the sideline: "I'm in range if you need me, Kiff." Barkley then hit Marqise Lee for a first down, then another pass for 22 yards to Lee, and eventually a Barkley sneak for the score.
Robert Woods had a terrific play earlier in the practice when he took a short bubble screen from Barkley, made Brown miss, and then turned on the speed down the sideline. Kiffin commented after practice that Woods "is in very good shape."
Silas Redd had a 25-yard run off the left side behind a block from Marcus Martin. Morgan Breslin made a good play to get in the backfield quickly and hold D.J. Morgan to no gain. De'Von Flournoy had a nice fingertip catch of a ball across the middle from Max Wittek and he outran Anthony Brown after the catch for a touchdown.
The team worked on full punt and kickoff return drills. There was also some scout-team work to prepare for Hawaii.
Kiffin said Wiley, a junior college transfer who started the last six games of the 2011 season, will look to play this year and USC will help him do that, which likely means he will transfer.
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Ric Tapia/Icon SMIIsiah Wiley was ruled academically ineligible and is likely to transfer.
Ric Tapia/Icon SMIIsiah Wiley was ruled academically ineligible and is likely to transfer.Friday was a light practice, helmets and no pads, as the Trojans begin the process of winding down fall camp. The team will simulate a home-game atmosphere by staying in the team hotel Friday night, holding a situational scrimmage Saturday morning and then attending the annual Salute to Troy event Saturday afternoon.
The scrimmage will not be a physical one, Kiffin said. It primarily will involve substitutions, communication between coaches and players, timing of getting in and out of the huddle, etc. Kiffin said the scrimmage will have no bearing on position battles such as the backup quarterback spot.
Junior Pomee was out there today working with the tight end group and he looked good in pass patterns. Christian Thomas did not have a helmet on but he was out there for early agility drills and even shadowed the other players for a few reps. That was as much as we've seen from Thomas in a while, so that could be an encouraging sign that he's getting closer to a return to the field. Randall Telfer did not take part in practice.
Wes Horton and Lamar Dawson also were held out.
When the team got together for 11-on-11 work today, here were the starting lineups:
Offense: Barkley, McNeal, Vainuku, Woods, Lee, Grimble, Walker, Martin, Holmes, Martinez, Graf
Defense: Breslin, Uko, Woods, Greene, Sarao, Pullard, Bailey, Robey, Brown, McDonald, Starling
Barkley led the first unit on a touchdown drive at the end of practice. Kiffin put 1:31 on the clock with the offense on their own 20-yard line. The offense got a couple first downs before facing a third down at their own 45, kicker Andre Heidari yelled from the sideline: "I'm in range if you need me, Kiff." Barkley then hit Marqise Lee for a first down, then another pass for 22 yards to Lee, and eventually a Barkley sneak for the score.
Robert Woods had a terrific play earlier in the practice when he took a short bubble screen from Barkley, made Brown miss, and then turned on the speed down the sideline. Kiffin commented after practice that Woods "is in very good shape."
Silas Redd had a 25-yard run off the left side behind a block from Marcus Martin. Morgan Breslin made a good play to get in the backfield quickly and hold D.J. Morgan to no gain. De'Von Flournoy had a nice fingertip catch of a ball across the middle from Max Wittek and he outran Anthony Brown after the catch for a touchdown.
The team worked on full punt and kickoff return drills. There was also some scout-team work to prepare for Hawaii.
Kiffin: Some young players shine in hurry
August, 8, 2012
8/08/12
10:01
AM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
The first thing Lane Kiffin talked about Tuesday after practice was how it was a normal second day of fall camp in which the veteran players do well but the young guys struggle as the coaches are adding more stuff for them to learn.
Kiffin was then quick to start pointing out some second-year players who are examples of guys who are making the transition from their freshmen seasons and are ready for bigger things. Here were some of his comments:
Kiffin was then quick to start pointing out some second-year players who are examples of guys who are making the transition from their freshmen seasons and are ready for bigger things. Here were some of his comments:
- Soma Vainuku: “He’s a special athlete. He’s 250 pounds and he’s faster than most of our tailbacks.”
- Buck Allen: “He looks different than he did in spring but that’s common for a second year player.”
- Andre Heidari: “He’s really made a physical transformation, that’s only going to help him.”
- Aundrey Walker: “He’s a 300-pound guy who can run and move. He’s definitely shown flashes.”
- Junior Pomee: “He’s got tremendous upside, at some point he’s going to be really good.”
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Several reserves unknown quantities
April, 23, 2012
4/23/12
11:22
AM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- There are still unanswered questions for several reserve skill players on offense who were limited or unavailable in spring ball due to injuries.
George Farmer couldn’t have asked for a better start to spring with the way he looked on the first day. It was only one day, but it was a clear look at the potential he brings to the wide receiver group. Then he got hurt on the second day and didn’t return until some brief action at the end.
Lane Kiffin has been clear about stating how good Farmer can be but has also expressed frustration at the injuries that have continued to slow his progression during his first year at USC.
George Farmer couldn’t have asked for a better start to spring with the way he looked on the first day. It was only one day, but it was a clear look at the potential he brings to the wide receiver group. Then he got hurt on the second day and didn’t return until some brief action at the end.
Lane Kiffin has been clear about stating how good Farmer can be but has also expressed frustration at the injuries that have continued to slow his progression during his first year at USC.
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LOS ANGELES -- As the Trojans enter the final week of spring ball practices, it’s clear that the spring was impacted by the number of injuries, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
There was only one major injury -- the knee ligament tear for Tre Madden that will sideline him for the year -- while the rest were a series of seemingly minor problems that popped up.
George Farmer, Randall Telfer and Buck Allen have all missed time with hamstrings, Xavier Grimble and Junior Pomee had foot issues, Soma Vainuku had a bad back and Robert Woods (ankle) and Christian Thomas (hip) both missed the entire spring. All are expected back by the time fall camp arrives.
There was only one major injury -- the knee ligament tear for Tre Madden that will sideline him for the year -- while the rest were a series of seemingly minor problems that popped up.
George Farmer, Randall Telfer and Buck Allen have all missed time with hamstrings, Xavier Grimble and Junior Pomee had foot issues, Soma Vainuku had a bad back and Robert Woods (ankle) and Christian Thomas (hip) both missed the entire spring. All are expected back by the time fall camp arrives.
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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 -- The football program generated some buzz Wednesday with the news that this weekend’s scrimmage in the Coliseum will be open to the public. But USC fans planning to attend may be forced to temper their expectations a bit, as Lane Kiffin backed away slightly from the promise of a scrimmage. With so many skill position players missing time due to nagging injuries, Saturday might be the second time this spring that a scheduled scrimmage is dialed down to a regular practice.
After Thursday’s practice, Kiffin simply said he didn’t know if the scrimmage would proceed as planned.
“There are so many guys in question,” he said. “We may just practice like we did last Saturday…The problem right now is the offensive skill doesn’t allow us to practice the way we would like, but we’re going to make the best of it.”
After Thursday’s practice, Kiffin simply said he didn’t know if the scrimmage would proceed as planned.
“There are so many guys in question,” he said. “We may just practice like we did last Saturday…The problem right now is the offensive skill doesn’t allow us to practice the way we would like, but we’re going to make the best of it.”
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“Give your top 5 surprises of spring ball”
Garry Paskwietz
1) Brian Baucham -- To say that any contribution from Baucham was unexpected would be an understatement. Baucham has been off the radar for years due to injuries and academics and there was no indication that he was ready to make a strong return, but that’s exactly what’s happened. He’s been consistently making plays ever since he came back during the first week of spring.
Garry Paskwietz
1) Brian Baucham -- To say that any contribution from Baucham was unexpected would be an understatement. Baucham has been off the radar for years due to injuries and academics and there was no indication that he was ready to make a strong return, but that’s exactly what’s happened. He’s been consistently making plays ever since he came back during the first week of spring.
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The Trojans hit the field for the opening session of spring ball and WeAreSC was there to provide a practice diary for USC fans to follow the action.
3:37 p.m. -- Matt Barkley enters the practice field.
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* Lane Kiffin called wide receiver George Farmer the MVP of day 1 of spring ball. It certainly came as no surprise to those watching. Early on in the day, I wrote next to Farmer's name in my notes: "Locked in." Kiffin said Farmer was playing with confidence and it showed. He made several nice catches, including one on a deep ball down the sideline where he went high over Isiah Wiley and came down with the ball while falling to the ground.
* Injury report: Kevin Greene (ankle), Josh Shaw (back), Nathan Guertler (hamstring), Jesse Scroggins (hip), Robert Woods (ankle), Torin Harris, Christian Heyward, Kyle Negrete, Christian Thomas, Chad Wheeler and DeVante Wilson. Greene and Woods took part in some of Tuesday's practice. Kiffin said Harris, Heyward, Negrete, Thomas, Wheeler and Wilson would all likely be out for all of spring. During practice, tight ends Xavier Grimble and Junior Pomee were injured and did not return to action.
* Not really any surprises with the starting lineups. Defensively, it was Wes Horton, George Uko, J.R. Tavai and Devon Kennard up front, Dion Bailey, Lamar Dawson and Hayes Pullard at linebacker, and Nickell Robey, T.J. McDonald, Jawanza Starling and Wiley in the secondary. Offensively, the line read Kevin Graf, Marcus Martin, Khaled Holmes, John Martinez and Aundrey Walker from left to right. Cyrus Hobbi took a few reps at left guard with the first team, and moved there for good when Martin left early for class. Matt Barkley started at quarterback.
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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.