USC returns from spring break today and resumes spring workouts. It’s always a dilemma if it is better for USC to squeeze three practices in before spring break? Do players retain what they learned the first three practices when they immediately go out of town for a week? Especially if the coaches are trying to put any new aspects to the offense or defense. This … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: The Spring Game Plan Gets More Compicated This Week

Four-star linebacker Jadon Perlotte of Buford, Ga., enjoyed his visit to USC over the weekend. LOVED USC!!! @CoachBOdom @LincolnRiley @CoachRoyM — Jadon Perlotte—-6’4 215 (@Jadon_Perlotte5) March 19, 2023 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js USC also offered Perlotte a scholarship. Now a couple caveats: Perlotte is committed to Georgia. Buford is 50 miles from the University of Georgia. So it’s a tall order to get him to flip from the … Continue reading Recruit Enjoys USC Visit

USC might be on spring break but it’s another imporant recruiting weekend. The headliner is five-star defensive tackle David Stone of Bradenton, Fla. Five-star linebacker Jadon Perlotte of Buford, Ga., who is committed to Georgia, will visit USC and UCLA this weekend. Also visiting USC are four-star offensive tackle Marques Easley of Kankakee, Ill.; four-star safety Jason Mitchell of St. John Bosco; four-star linebacker Jaylen … Continue reading Another Important Recruiting Weekend At USC

The USC-LSU game to kick off the 2024 season will take place Sept. 1, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. PT. It will be on ABC. The game is being played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The 60,000-square foot building near Dupont Circle is located at 1771 N St. NW and be used for teaching, research, lobbying, recruiting, alumni networking and community outreach. “So many of … Continue reading Notes: USC-LSU Game Time Set

One other item from the first week of USC spring practice. It’s already a given that Arizona transfers Dorian Singer and Christian Roland-Wallace will start. Roland-Wallace is not at the same level as last season’s big corner transfer, Mekhi Blackmon. The third Arizona transfer (defensive lineman Kyon Barrs) could also start after the first week. “He’s flashed a few times,” a USC coach said. “It … Continue reading Morning Buzz: USC’s Going To Look Like Arizona West

I asked a USC coach who stood out last week during the first three spring practices, where were closed to the media and public. The immediate answer was wide receiver Dorian Singer, the transfer from Arizona. “He’s got a chance to be the top receiver on the team,” the coach said. “He’s got a relentless drive and he won’t just be happy with one-or-two touchdowns … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Who Stood Out In Week 1

I spoke to a USC coach who said the first three spring practices went fairly smoothly because even though there are plenty of transfer additions, it’s not like last season. “Last spring, the first practice you almost couldn’t remember everyone’s names,” the coach said. “We could have used some tape on the front of helmets (with names). This year isn’t quite the same.” Continue reading USC Notes: A Less Hectic Spring Start

USC is hiring Greg Brown as a defensive analyst. The good part is Brown is a veteran coach and was Colorado’s defensive coordinator from 2011-12. The flip side is Brown has been like a pinball with nine jobs in the past 13 seasons. That’s never a good sign. I doubt he’s going to have much influence with Alex Grinch. But . . . here is … Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: Looks Like A Crutch Is Being Brought In

Don Clark gets carried on the shoulders of his players after USC’s season-opening 21-0 victory over Oregon State. Continue reading USC Friday Column Supplement

Was there anything going on Thursday night? Oh, yes. Say it with us: Thanks, Enfield! This picture packs a punch for USC fans. It’s a gathering of tailbacks. From left: Anthony Davis, O.J. Simpson, Marcus Allen, Clarence Davis, Ricky Bell and Mike Garrett. And with the exception of Simpson, they are all from Southern California. Can you name the high schools they attended? Answer below. … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

There are now some forecasts five-star QB Dylan Raiola would commit to USC over Nebraska. The question is whether Raiola would be worried about the fact USC already has a five-star QB (Malachi Nelson) who just started his first spring practice for the Trojans. So I asked a Pac-12 coach who watched Raiola in Arizona last season and also observed Nelson. “They are different types … Continue reading USC 2024 QB Derby Preview

One of the big jobs of spring practice is making sure the offensive line-transfers like Jarrett Kingston of Washington State and Michael Tarquin of Florida have a smooth transition. “A lot of potential. They care. They’re into it. They want to be good. So that’s a step in the right direction,” USC offensive line coach Josh Henson said. “Every O-line coach teaches things differently, so … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Spring Is Time To Help Transfers

Here’s a stat I keep thinking about going into next year: USC lost only two fumbles in 2022. In 14 games. Does anyone think that will be replicated? USC might play better next season but it won’t be better from a turnover perspective. The Trojans recovered nine fumbles for a +7 Theoretically, USC could drop a game next season if it cannot match this margin. … Continue reading USC’s Turnovers Were A 2022 Marvel

I’m becoming more convinced Bronny James will end up at USC, especially after he scored 10 points in Sierra Canyon’s 80-61 loss to Notre Dame on Tuesday night. LeBron James tweeted Monday that Bronny was already better than some NBA players. Maybe Notre Dame guard Caleb Foster is the one who is ready. He had 28 points and will go to Duke next year. Foster … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Lincoln Riley Says USC Staff In Demand

Was anyone convinced by the comments of Lincoln Riley this morning regarding the USC defense? “We expect to be an extremely high-level defense here at USC,” he said. “No reason in the world why we can’t and why we won’t be. And we expect that that will happen and happen soon.” That’s all well-and-good. But what changes are being implemented to assure this? What is … Continue reading Should We Believe Lincoln Riley On USC Defense?

Lincoln Riley spoke after USC’s second spring practice today and promised a significantly improved defense. “We expect to be an extremely high-level defense here at USC,” he said. “No reason in the world why we can’t and why we won’t be. And we expect that that will happen and happen soon.” “Malachi hasn’t had maybe the most ideal start in terms of having shoulder surgery … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Lincoln Riley Expects High-Level Defense

Tests revealed USC offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees tore his ACL at the NFL Combine on Sunday. But that didn’t stop Vorhees on Monday, as he benchpressed 225 pounds 38 times with one leg on the ground. It was the best benchpress mark at the Combine this morning. This feat did not go unnoticed by USC coach Lincoln Riley. Complete warrior…played hurt the entire 2nd half … Continue reading Andrew Vorhees Tears ACL And Still

There are always some people who go gaga when new weights are released by USC for the football players. Eric Gentry gained 5 pounds. Justin Dedich lost 10 pounds. Mason Murphy gained 10 pounds. Wow! First off, let’s be clear. Some of these players probably weighed close to these marks during the past season. But they haven’t been officially weighed for the roster since the … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Let’s Go Crazy Over Player Weights

USC started spring practice today with little fanfare because the media was not allowed to attend. There will also be no media at Tuesday’s second practice. The big news today was the visit of five-star QB Dylan Raiola, who did watch practice. It feels like it will be USC and Nebraska for Raiola. I wonder how closely he watched five-star QB Malachi Nelson in his … Continue reading USC Started Spring Practice!

USC offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees suffered an injury during a lateral-movement drill at the NFL Combine today. He fell to the ground and was helped off the field. Trainers checked his right leg/knee before he was helped to locker room area. There’s been no definitive report yet on the extent of the injury so hopefully it is not too serious. Continue reading Andrew Vorhees Injured At NFL Combine

USC lists Korey Foreman as being 10 pounds lighter (235 pounds). Wasn’t he too light at 245 last season? Foreman is now listed as a “defensive lineman” instead of a rush end. I’m not optimistic. He should play linebacker if he really weighs 235. USC has been over the scholarship limit so three more Helton Era players are no longer on the roster: tight end … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: Does This Make Sense?

Jordan Addison ran the 40-yard dash in 4.49-seconds today at the NFL Combine. That’s a time that won’t hurt his draft stock. He actually ran his fastest time on his second attempt, which is unusual. Addison also caught some passes but then shut it down because of a minor back strain. That means he will have to finish his workout on March 21 at USC … Continue reading Jordan Addison Makes Quick Impression At NFL Combine

Who can you trust when it comes to the Pac-12 media-rights deal? The media who cover the Pac-12 closest seem to think everything will be fine. The national media are painting a more dire picture. Someone I trust is John Ourand of Sports Business Journal, who said George Kliavkoff should have taken a deal six months ago. Kliavkoff is still immune from local criticism. My … Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: Who Can You Trust On Pac-12 Deal?