USC Trojans: Jordan Simmons
The Trojans are now in the final stretch of spring ball with just over a week of practice remaining on the schedule. As injuries continue to mount and position battles rage on, here’s how a potential depth chart just might look if one were released today.
Quarterback
Quarterback
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Notebook: Cravens latest to injure knee
April, 5, 2013
Apr 5
5:46
AM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- Injuries continue to be one of the big stories for the Trojans this spring as it was confirmed after practice that both George Farmer and Su’a Cravens will undergo knee surgeries.
The news was more dire for Farmer after Kiffin confirmed the earlier media reports of a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, which will force him to miss the 2013 season. For Cravens, he has a torn meniscus in his right knee and will undergo surgery Friday. The injury is the same as the one suffered by Silas Redd. Cravens is expected to miss 4-6 weeks and will be back in plenty of time for fall camp.
Garry Paskwietz/WeAreSC.comSu'a Cravens is the latest USC player to get dinged in spring practice.“Whenever there is an injury you hope, like Su’a, that’s it’s not going to be a long setback,” USC coach Lane Kiffin said. “With guys like George, those are the ones you feel really bad for. A guy who battles back and was playing well and then to have this setback.”
The Trojans entered the Thursday practice session with 20 players out of action because of injury and two more left practice – Torin Harris and Cyrus Hobbi.
“I don’t see any way we could practice like this in the fall. We wouldn’t be able to play a game,” Kiffin said. “Of the 22 guys who ended up being out today, 18 of them are scholarship players. With the roster reductions we already have we would not be able to give up that many players. We will start fall camp practicing this way, but I don’t think we will end fall camp this way.”
There was some good news on the injury front as Marqise Lee returned, albeit in a limited role, after missing two-and-a-half weeks with a knee injury. Lee seemed to be running fine with no major issues but he was held out of contact team drills. Kevon Seymour and Jordan Simmons also returned to action.
“Marqise was back, which was obviously good to see,” Kiffin said. “He basically took part in the first hour of practice and we’ll add to him as we go.”
George Uko was out today and J.R. Tavai took his spot with the first unit at defensive end. During the final team drill, Aundrey Walker was out and Max Tuerk had moved to center with Hobbi out, so the first unit left side of the line was walk-on Nathan Guertler at tackle and Giovanni Di Poalo at guard.
Receiver shuffle
With Farmer out, that means opportunities for players such as Victor Blackwell and De’Von Flournoy along with first-year players Darreus Rogers and Steven Mitchell. Kiffin also made sure to note the high level of play from Nelson Agholor this spring when discussing the receiver group.
The news was more dire for Farmer after Kiffin confirmed the earlier media reports of a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, which will force him to miss the 2013 season. For Cravens, he has a torn meniscus in his right knee and will undergo surgery Friday. The injury is the same as the one suffered by Silas Redd. Cravens is expected to miss 4-6 weeks and will be back in plenty of time for fall camp.
Garry Paskwietz/WeAreSC.comSu'a Cravens is the latest USC player to get dinged in spring practice.The Trojans entered the Thursday practice session with 20 players out of action because of injury and two more left practice – Torin Harris and Cyrus Hobbi.
“I don’t see any way we could practice like this in the fall. We wouldn’t be able to play a game,” Kiffin said. “Of the 22 guys who ended up being out today, 18 of them are scholarship players. With the roster reductions we already have we would not be able to give up that many players. We will start fall camp practicing this way, but I don’t think we will end fall camp this way.”
There was some good news on the injury front as Marqise Lee returned, albeit in a limited role, after missing two-and-a-half weeks with a knee injury. Lee seemed to be running fine with no major issues but he was held out of contact team drills. Kevon Seymour and Jordan Simmons also returned to action.
“Marqise was back, which was obviously good to see,” Kiffin said. “He basically took part in the first hour of practice and we’ll add to him as we go.”
George Uko was out today and J.R. Tavai took his spot with the first unit at defensive end. During the final team drill, Aundrey Walker was out and Max Tuerk had moved to center with Hobbi out, so the first unit left side of the line was walk-on Nathan Guertler at tackle and Giovanni Di Poalo at guard.
Receiver shuffle
With Farmer out, that means opportunities for players such as Victor Blackwell and De’Von Flournoy along with first-year players Darreus Rogers and Steven Mitchell. Kiffin also made sure to note the high level of play from Nelson Agholor this spring when discussing the receiver group.
LOS ANGELES -- The Trojans held a scrimmage on Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with the offense having the most balanced day of the spring.
“I thought this was the best day for the offense in terms of having a good balance of running the ball and throwing the ball downfield,” USC coach Lane Kiffin said. “Both of the quarterbacks were accurate, they handled things well, and I thought the offensive line has put together two of their best practices in a row.”
There was plenty of scoring in the scrimmage, including two touchdowns each from Nelson Agholor (four catches for 93 yards) and Justin Davis (11 rushes, 54 yards).
Agholor has scored at least one long touchdown in each of the three spring scrimmages so far. Today, it was a 59-yard effort on the opening series on a pretty pass from Cody Kessler down the right sideline.
It was the second eye-opening practice in a row for Davis. Not only did he get into the end zone twice but his most impressive run might have been when he bowled over Leon McQuay III on an 11-yard gain in the red zone.
Both quarterbacks did well too. In addition to the opening touchdown to Agholor, Kessler also had a scoring pass courtesy of a great effort from Victor Blackwell. With the offense at the 25-yard line Kessler lofted a pass into the right corner of the end zone, where Torin Harris had solid coverage on Blackwell, only to see Blackwell simply leap up and get the ball for the score.
As a side note, Blackwell’s high school coach, Bruce Rollinson from Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei, was standing on the sidelines near the play and had a big smile on his face for his former star. Kessler ended the day completing five of nine passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns.
Wittek, who also played for Rollinson at Mater Dei, hit Agholor for a 15-yard score, but his best throw of the day came when he threw down the right sideline to George Farmer for a 47-yard gain. Wittek completed three of five passes for 84 yards and one touchdown, he also had one potential touchdown pass dropped by Blackwell.
On defense, the two most active players were J.R. Tavai and Josh Shaw.
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Jonathan Moore/Getty ImagesNelson Agholor continued to show his big-play ability Saturday, scoring another long touchdown in a scrimmage.
Jonathan Moore/Getty ImagesNelson Agholor continued to show his big-play ability Saturday, scoring another long touchdown in a scrimmage.There was plenty of scoring in the scrimmage, including two touchdowns each from Nelson Agholor (four catches for 93 yards) and Justin Davis (11 rushes, 54 yards).
Agholor has scored at least one long touchdown in each of the three spring scrimmages so far. Today, it was a 59-yard effort on the opening series on a pretty pass from Cody Kessler down the right sideline.
It was the second eye-opening practice in a row for Davis. Not only did he get into the end zone twice but his most impressive run might have been when he bowled over Leon McQuay III on an 11-yard gain in the red zone.
Both quarterbacks did well too. In addition to the opening touchdown to Agholor, Kessler also had a scoring pass courtesy of a great effort from Victor Blackwell. With the offense at the 25-yard line Kessler lofted a pass into the right corner of the end zone, where Torin Harris had solid coverage on Blackwell, only to see Blackwell simply leap up and get the ball for the score.
As a side note, Blackwell’s high school coach, Bruce Rollinson from Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei, was standing on the sidelines near the play and had a big smile on his face for his former star. Kessler ended the day completing five of nine passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns.
Wittek, who also played for Rollinson at Mater Dei, hit Agholor for a 15-yard score, but his best throw of the day came when he threw down the right sideline to George Farmer for a 47-yard gain. Wittek completed three of five passes for 84 yards and one touchdown, he also had one potential touchdown pass dropped by Blackwell.
On defense, the two most active players were J.R. Tavai and Josh Shaw.
It was a spirited, full-pads practice session for the Trojans on Thursday and one that featured a nice performance from the offense. This was welcome news to USC coach Lane Kiffin, particularly after the defense had dominated a practice earlier in the week.
“The offense did a lot better today,” Kiffin said. “It was good to see them bounce back that way after what happened on Tuesday. They came out today with a much better mindset.”
The solid play was spread around through many players but one area that really stood out was the run game. With Silas Redd out for spring with injury and Tre Madden limited in contact, the tailback work has fallen to the trio of D.J. Morgan, Buck Allen and Justin Davis, and they responded on Thursday.
It was Davis who got things going with a pair of long touchdown runs in a team drill. The smooth freshman, who has provided multiple promising moments in his brief time at USC, took both runs to the left side and showed a combination of speed and moves to get to the end zone.
Morgan followed in the next drill with a 10-yard touchdown run, showing a quick burst through the line. A few plays later, Morgan took a handoff and went down in a pile after a short gain. When he came up, he was limping a little and did not return.
Allen took his turn as the lead runner at the end of the day when the Trojans were in goal-line situations. The chatter between the offense and defense had reached a crescendo as time was running out in practice and both sides were eager for victory. With the ball at the five-yard line, Allen was able to punch in two touchdowns, including the final play of the day to signal a win for the offense. Davis also had a short touchdown run in the goal-line drill.
“I thought D.J. Morgan was having a very good day before he went down,” Kiffin said. “Justin Davis had a great day.”
It was also a good day at the quarterback spot, Max Wittek looked much better than he did on Tuesday, while Max Browne had his best practice as a Trojan.
Wittek got things going early with a deep touchdown pass to De’Von Flournoy against solid coverage from Ryan Henderson.
In a red-zone drill, Browne hit Nelson Agholor as Torin Harris went for the ball and missed, so Agholor was able to go in for the 20-yard score. Browne also hit a pair of short touchdowns to Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick. The highlight throw of the day for Browne came when he hit Farmer on a 55-yard completion. It was yet another sign of the accurate touch that Browne has shown on the deep ball so far, and of the fact that Farmer is continuing to make plays as well.
“George has stayed healthy and he’s doing well,” Kiffin said. “We need him to make the hard plays, to be physical, and he’s doing that. It’s been great to see.”
O-line adjusting to coaching changes
One of the primary areas of emphasis for the Trojans this year will be to get more physical, and that starts with the line. To that end, Kiffin has put two coaches on the offensive line, adding Mike Summers and keeping James Cregg, who had been the line coach for the past three years, as his assistant. There was some curiosity as to how the arrangement would work but, through the first three weeks, Kiffin is pleased with what he sees.
“Mike Summers has done a really good job of coming in and capturing the group,” Kiffin said. “It’s worked out like we had hoped with the two of them in combination, that’s why we put two coaches at such an important position.”
Injury report
Xavier Grimble will miss the remainder of spring with a chest fracture. There was no update on Morgan after practice. Jordan Simmons missed practice after getting sick earlier in the afternoon.
Defensive highlights
* Ryan Henderson had multiple solid tackles on the day coming up from his corner position. Two of them were on Agholor, including one at the end of the day when emotions were high and his big hit brought a huge roar from the defensive sideline.
* Anthony Brown also had a solid tackle for no gain from the corner spot.
* Josh Shaw read a screen pass from Cody Kessler to Agholor and he was able to bat the ball down.
* J.R. Tavai recorded a sack of Browne.
* Leonard Williams tracked Davis along the line of scrimmage for no gain.
Notables in attendance
Naijiel Hale, David Sills, Steven Mitchell, Nico Falah and several members of the Chaminade Eagles program.
Quotebook
“It was a slow adjustment at first for me because things are so different at this level. There were little things I could get away with in high school, some bad habits, but you need to pay attention to those techniques here. I’m getting those little things down right now. The good thing is that I get a first chance to learn everything now in spring and then I will get another camp in the fall. That will really help me learn the playbook. I’m not sure about redshirting, I’ll just work hard every day and see what happens.” -- Justin Davis
“The offense did a lot better today,” Kiffin said. “It was good to see them bounce back that way after what happened on Tuesday. They came out today with a much better mindset.”
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AP Photo/Mark J. TerrillBefore leaving practice with an undisclosed injury, D.J. Morgan was making a case to jump toward the front of USC's RB rotation.
AP Photo/Mark J. TerrillBefore leaving practice with an undisclosed injury, D.J. Morgan was making a case to jump toward the front of USC's RB rotation.
It was Davis who got things going with a pair of long touchdown runs in a team drill. The smooth freshman, who has provided multiple promising moments in his brief time at USC, took both runs to the left side and showed a combination of speed and moves to get to the end zone.
Morgan followed in the next drill with a 10-yard touchdown run, showing a quick burst through the line. A few plays later, Morgan took a handoff and went down in a pile after a short gain. When he came up, he was limping a little and did not return.
Allen took his turn as the lead runner at the end of the day when the Trojans were in goal-line situations. The chatter between the offense and defense had reached a crescendo as time was running out in practice and both sides were eager for victory. With the ball at the five-yard line, Allen was able to punch in two touchdowns, including the final play of the day to signal a win for the offense. Davis also had a short touchdown run in the goal-line drill.
“I thought D.J. Morgan was having a very good day before he went down,” Kiffin said. “Justin Davis had a great day.”
It was also a good day at the quarterback spot, Max Wittek looked much better than he did on Tuesday, while Max Browne had his best practice as a Trojan.
Wittek got things going early with a deep touchdown pass to De’Von Flournoy against solid coverage from Ryan Henderson.
In a red-zone drill, Browne hit Nelson Agholor as Torin Harris went for the ball and missed, so Agholor was able to go in for the 20-yard score. Browne also hit a pair of short touchdowns to Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick. The highlight throw of the day for Browne came when he hit Farmer on a 55-yard completion. It was yet another sign of the accurate touch that Browne has shown on the deep ball so far, and of the fact that Farmer is continuing to make plays as well.
“George has stayed healthy and he’s doing well,” Kiffin said. “We need him to make the hard plays, to be physical, and he’s doing that. It’s been great to see.”
O-line adjusting to coaching changes
One of the primary areas of emphasis for the Trojans this year will be to get more physical, and that starts with the line. To that end, Kiffin has put two coaches on the offensive line, adding Mike Summers and keeping James Cregg, who had been the line coach for the past three years, as his assistant. There was some curiosity as to how the arrangement would work but, through the first three weeks, Kiffin is pleased with what he sees.
“Mike Summers has done a really good job of coming in and capturing the group,” Kiffin said. “It’s worked out like we had hoped with the two of them in combination, that’s why we put two coaches at such an important position.”
Injury report
Xavier Grimble will miss the remainder of spring with a chest fracture. There was no update on Morgan after practice. Jordan Simmons missed practice after getting sick earlier in the afternoon.
Defensive highlights
* Ryan Henderson had multiple solid tackles on the day coming up from his corner position. Two of them were on Agholor, including one at the end of the day when emotions were high and his big hit brought a huge roar from the defensive sideline.
* Anthony Brown also had a solid tackle for no gain from the corner spot.
* Josh Shaw read a screen pass from Cody Kessler to Agholor and he was able to bat the ball down.
* J.R. Tavai recorded a sack of Browne.
* Leonard Williams tracked Davis along the line of scrimmage for no gain.
Notables in attendance
Naijiel Hale, David Sills, Steven Mitchell, Nico Falah and several members of the Chaminade Eagles program.
Quotebook
“It was a slow adjustment at first for me because things are so different at this level. There were little things I could get away with in high school, some bad habits, but you need to pay attention to those techniques here. I’m getting those little things down right now. The good thing is that I get a first chance to learn everything now in spring and then I will get another camp in the fall. That will really help me learn the playbook. I’m not sure about redshirting, I’ll just work hard every day and see what happens.” -- Justin Davis
For college football players across the country, the spring marks a time of opportunity, a chance to dive headfirst into position battles and to make a move up the depth chart -- particularly for those lesser-known players, as well as the new additions to the rosters.
But for Lane Kiffin’s USC squad, which now has two weeks of spring ball under its belt, that atmosphere of opportunity and competition has been even more pronounced than usual. With four new assistant coaches added to the staff this winter, not to mention a complete change in defensive philosophy, there has been a feeling permeating throughout the program that everyone is starting out fresh. It’s in this environment that a number of players looking to take a giant leap forward, not to mention a few newcomers, have shined at times this spring, showing that they could be ready to make a significant impact.
Here’s a look at 10 maybe not-so-familiar faces who have made the most of the spring so far.
But for Lane Kiffin’s USC squad, which now has two weeks of spring ball under its belt, that atmosphere of opportunity and competition has been even more pronounced than usual. With four new assistant coaches added to the staff this winter, not to mention a complete change in defensive philosophy, there has been a feeling permeating throughout the program that everyone is starting out fresh. It’s in this environment that a number of players looking to take a giant leap forward, not to mention a few newcomers, have shined at times this spring, showing that they could be ready to make a significant impact.
Here’s a look at 10 maybe not-so-familiar faces who have made the most of the spring so far.
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USC's defensive front leads scrimmage
March, 16, 2013
Mar 16
3:14
PM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
The Trojans wrapped up the second week of spring ball with a scrimmage at the Coliseum that featured a strong performance from the defensive front.
“I really thought the front seven on the first-unit defense played well,” USC coach Lane Kiffin said. “Hayes Pullard played great at linebacker while George Uko and Leonard Williams were dominant up front. The defense is really picking things up with the new scheme. I can’t imagine being more pleased.”
Pullard led the way for the defense with six tackles, including one for loss, while Kenny Bigelow added two sacks and Anthony Sarao had four tackles.
The offense was led by Cody Kessler, who continues to split time with Max Browne while Max Wittek is out with a knee injury. Kessler (13-19, 161 yards, one TD) provided the highlight play of the day with a 75-yard touchdown strike to Nelson Agholor while Browne (6-9, 69 yards) added a big play of his own with a 52-yard completion to Darreus Rogers. Buck Allen was the top rusher on the day with 11 carries for 65 yards.
“Kessler played great today,” Kiffin said. “He just continues to make plays. I thought Buck had a good day, too. He’s had a good camp overall.”
Kiffin confirmed that the injury to Wittek – who is expected to return to the field when the team comes back from spring break on March 26 – likely means that the quarterback competition will not be settled by the end of spring.
“I really thought the front seven on the first-unit defense played well,” USC coach Lane Kiffin said. “Hayes Pullard played great at linebacker while George Uko and Leonard Williams were dominant up front. The defense is really picking things up with the new scheme. I can’t imagine being more pleased.”
Pullard led the way for the defense with six tackles, including one for loss, while Kenny Bigelow added two sacks and Anthony Sarao had four tackles.
The offense was led by Cody Kessler, who continues to split time with Max Browne while Max Wittek is out with a knee injury. Kessler (13-19, 161 yards, one TD) provided the highlight play of the day with a 75-yard touchdown strike to Nelson Agholor while Browne (6-9, 69 yards) added a big play of his own with a 52-yard completion to Darreus Rogers. Buck Allen was the top rusher on the day with 11 carries for 65 yards.
“Kessler played great today,” Kiffin said. “He just continues to make plays. I thought Buck had a good day, too. He’s had a good camp overall.”
Kiffin confirmed that the injury to Wittek – who is expected to return to the field when the team comes back from spring break on March 26 – likely means that the quarterback competition will not be settled by the end of spring.
The Trojans opened spring practice on Tuesday and the WeAreSC staff gives its impressions from the first day.
Name three players who jumped out at you
Garry Paskwietz: Josh Shaw would be at the top of the list. He has moved to strong safety this spring, the same position that T.J. McDonald had last season when it was designated as free safety. Shaw looks much more active and comfortable in this role so far.
Name three players who jumped out at you
Garry Paskwietz: Josh Shaw would be at the top of the list. He has moved to strong safety this spring, the same position that T.J. McDonald had last season when it was designated as free safety. Shaw looks much more active and comfortable in this role so far.
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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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The Trojans only lose one player on the offensive line, but there could be a lot of shuffling in spring ball. Give your thoughts on how you think the two-deep along the line will shake out.
Garry Paskwietz:
LT – Aundrey Walker, Chad Wheeler; LG – Max Tuerk, Marcus Martin; C – Cyrus Hobbi or Marcus Martin; RG – John Martinez, Jordan Simmons; RT – Kevin Graf, Zach Banner
Garry Paskwietz:
LT – Aundrey Walker, Chad Wheeler; LG – Max Tuerk, Marcus Martin; C – Cyrus Hobbi or Marcus Martin; RG – John Martinez, Jordan Simmons; RT – Kevin Graf, Zach Banner
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The USC Trojans held their 2012 team banquet Friday at the Tutor Campus Center Ballroom and the following awards were handed out:
Most Valuable Player: wide receiver Marqise Lee
Most Inspirational Player: safety T.J. McDonald
Leadership Award: center Khaled Holmes
Linemen of the Year: center Khaled Holmes (offense), defensive end Morgan Breslin (defense)
Perimeter Players of the Year: wide receiver Marqise Lee (offense), safety T.J. McDonald (defense)
Special Teams Player of the Year: linebacker Tony Burnett
Service Team Players of the Year: offensive tackle-guard Jordan Simmons (offense), defensive end Jabari Ruffin (defense)
Jack Oakie “Rise and Shine” Award (year’s longest run): wide receiver Robert Woods (76 yards vs. Syracuse)
Howard Jones/Football Alumni Club Academic Award (overall academic achievement): center Khaled Holmes
Bob Chandler Award (underclassman with outstanding athletic ability, academic achievement and character): tight end Randall Telfer
John McKay Award (underclassman with the most competitive spirit): wide receiver Marqise Lee
Joe Collins Walk-on Award: offensive tackle-guard Nathan Guertler, cornerback Ryan Dillard
Courage Award: wide receiver Robert Woods
Co-Lifters Award: offensive tackle Kevin Graf, cornerback Nickell Robey
Team Captains: quarterback Matt Barkley, safety T.J. McDonald, center Khaled Holmes, cornerback Nickell Robey
Most Valuable Player: wide receiver Marqise Lee
Most Inspirational Player: safety T.J. McDonald
Leadership Award: center Khaled Holmes
Linemen of the Year: center Khaled Holmes (offense), defensive end Morgan Breslin (defense)
Perimeter Players of the Year: wide receiver Marqise Lee (offense), safety T.J. McDonald (defense)
Special Teams Player of the Year: linebacker Tony Burnett
Service Team Players of the Year: offensive tackle-guard Jordan Simmons (offense), defensive end Jabari Ruffin (defense)
Jack Oakie “Rise and Shine” Award (year’s longest run): wide receiver Robert Woods (76 yards vs. Syracuse)
Howard Jones/Football Alumni Club Academic Award (overall academic achievement): center Khaled Holmes
Bob Chandler Award (underclassman with outstanding athletic ability, academic achievement and character): tight end Randall Telfer
John McKay Award (underclassman with the most competitive spirit): wide receiver Marqise Lee
Joe Collins Walk-on Award: offensive tackle-guard Nathan Guertler, cornerback Ryan Dillard
Courage Award: wide receiver Robert Woods
Co-Lifters Award: offensive tackle Kevin Graf, cornerback Nickell Robey
Team Captains: quarterback Matt Barkley, safety T.J. McDonald, center Khaled Holmes, cornerback Nickell Robey
Our look back at the USC offense for 2012 and a look ahead for what to expect in 2013.
What was good in 2012: The Trojans had the best wide receiver in football in Marqise Lee, and it wasn’t even close. Check any measurement you want; the Biletnikoff Award, the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, any number of All-American teams. Those kinds of honors tend to roll in when you set a conference record for catches (112) and receiving yards (1,680) while also leading the conference in kickoff-return yardage. His masterpiece was the Arizona game, with 16 catches for 345 yards and a pair of scores along with 123 yards in kickoff returns.
What was bad in 2012: Too much reliance on Lee. As good as Lee was, there was a train of thought during the season -- one that was even offered up recently in comments by Matt Barkley -- that the Trojans may have focused too much on Lee in relation to other players. There is no shortage of skill weapons on the USC roster, yet Lee caught more balls this year than the next two receivers combined, and one of those other players -- Robert Woods -- is the all-time USC leader in career receptions. The USC offense, which was supposed to be one of the best in the country, had too many bouts of sputtering and inconsistent play. Finding a semblance of balance will be important as the Trojans head into next year.
What was good in 2012: The Trojans had the best wide receiver in football in Marqise Lee, and it wasn’t even close. Check any measurement you want; the Biletnikoff Award, the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, any number of All-American teams. Those kinds of honors tend to roll in when you set a conference record for catches (112) and receiving yards (1,680) while also leading the conference in kickoff-return yardage. His masterpiece was the Arizona game, with 16 catches for 345 yards and a pair of scores along with 123 yards in kickoff returns.
What was bad in 2012: Too much reliance on Lee. As good as Lee was, there was a train of thought during the season -- one that was even offered up recently in comments by Matt Barkley -- that the Trojans may have focused too much on Lee in relation to other players. There is no shortage of skill weapons on the USC roster, yet Lee caught more balls this year than the next two receivers combined, and one of those other players -- Robert Woods -- is the all-time USC leader in career receptions. The USC offense, which was supposed to be one of the best in the country, had too many bouts of sputtering and inconsistent play. Finding a semblance of balance will be important as the Trojans head into next year.
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As the Trojans wrap up the opening week of fall camp practices we take a look at the newcomers to the USC roster:
FB Jahleel Pinner: Good-sized guy. Pinner alternated between tailback and fullback in high school, so his size fluctuated, but he has added some good bulk now that he is set at fullback. Nice skills with the ball in his hands.
TB Silas Redd: It hasn’t taken Redd long to show that he will have an impact this year. He runs hard, has shown a good work ethic and he took his first carry in the Coliseum scrimmage for a 43-yard gain.
FB Jahleel Pinner: Good-sized guy. Pinner alternated between tailback and fullback in high school, so his size fluctuated, but he has added some good bulk now that he is set at fullback. Nice skills with the ball in his hands.
TB Silas Redd: It hasn’t taken Redd long to show that he will have an impact this year. He runs hard, has shown a good work ethic and he took his first carry in the Coliseum scrimmage for a 43-yard gain.
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The Trojans ended their recruiting season with the No. 13 class, but Lane Kiffin and his staff put together, pound for pound, one of the most impressive recruiting classes in the nation.
Their biggest need was along the offensive line, especially at the tackle position. The Trojans picked up a true left tackle in Zach Banner (Lakewood, Wash./Lakes) as well as Max Tuerk (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) who can play both tackle and guard. These two will probably not have the luxury of taking a redshirt this season. They’ll both have to contribute and contribute early. The Trojans also picked up another good player in Jordan Simmons (Encino, Calif./Crespi). I don’t see Simmons’ needing to play as early as the tackles and he will most likely redshirt this season, but if the Trojans have a repeat of the injuries they had on the interior of the line at the beginning of last season, his number might be called upon early.
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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.