I often write about the over-representation of coaches connected to Texas on the USC coaching staff. There are currently 11 coaches with Texas ties. But here’s another trend I find troubling for the coaching staff: USC coach Clay Helton is a former quarterback. Offensive coordinator Graham Harrell is a former quarterback. Running backs coach Mike Jinks is a former quarterback. Offensive line coach Clay McGuire … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A Friday Notes Column

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper is so high on USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker that he has him to the Minnesota Vikings with the 14th pick in the NFL Draft in his mock draft. Excerpt: “I’ll stick with Vera-Tucker here because of his versatility. He played guard before moving to left tackle for USC last season. He impressed there and rocketed up draft boards. I … Continue reading Mel Kiper Loves Alijah Vera-Tucker

When Pete Carroll coached at USC, I nicknamed him “Caesar” because he could do whatever he wanted. Here’s an excerpt from a story in the Athletic today, which shows some of the same traits, and how they are apparent to quarterback Russell Wilson. Continue reading History Repeating Itself In Seattle

One of the funnier aspects of the USC football, for those on the inside, is how few decisions Clay Helton makes. I’m not even talking about the ones being made by his superiors like hiring assistant coaches. I’m talking about little decisions, that Helton still gets to make, which he continually farms out to a support staff member. I could name him but it’s not … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Even Little Decisions Prove Tough

Former USC athletic director Lynn Swann keeps a low profile. But he is making a semi-public appearance by doing something he doesn’t enjoy: Signing autographs. It doesn’t appear as though Swann will actually mingle with the public. The event involves him signing items and then mailing them to the public. Perfect for Swann. You can get an autographed mini-helmet for $269. His last autograph show … Continue reading A Lynn Swann Sighting