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USC Morning Buzz: Depth Chart Has Surprises

USC dropped a depth chart last night and there were several surprises:

  • True freshman Tackett Curtis is listed as the starter at weakside linebacker ahead of Eric Gentry. Is this because Gentry has been hurt at times in training camp or just because Curtis played better?
  • Jaylin Smith is the starter at nickel back, which is a huge blow to Arizona transfer Christian Roland-Wallace, who probably wishes he had turned pro early.
  • At left guard, there is an “or” between Emmanuel Pregnon and true freshman Alani Noa. Could a true freshman start on offensive line?
  • Brenden Rice, who got a lot of offseason hype, is not the clear starter a wide receiver, as he and Kyron Hudson have an “or” between them.
  • Although some believed Bear Alexander and Kyon Barrs could start together, they are at nose tackle with De’jon Benton and all three have “or” after their name meaning there is no clear-cut starter.
  • By the way, Korey Foreman is third-string at defensive end behind starter Solomon Byrd and Romello Height.
  • The rush end has no clear starter, with Anthony Lucas, Jamil Muhammad and Braylon Shelby all having an “or” after their name.
  • Michael Tarquin has won the right tackle spot, despite lip service from the coaches that Mason Murphy might start.
  • Some media gushed over Zacariah Branch, who is No. 3 at a wide receiver spot where Mario Williams starts. Makai Lemon is No. 2 at a different wide receiver position behind Dorian Singer.
  • Team captain Shane Lee will not start, as expected. He is behind Mason Cobb at linebacker.

Full depth chart is below:

OFFENSE

No.NAME
WR
10Kyron Hudson (6-1 / 205 / R-So.) OR
2Brenden Rice (6-3 / 210 / Sr.)
19Duce Robinson (6-6 / 225 / Fr.)
WR
4Mario Williams (5-9 / 175 / So.)
16Tahj Washington (5-10 / 175 / R-Sr.)
1Zachariah Branch (5-10 / 175 / Fr.)
14Raleek Brown (5-8 / 185 / So.)
LT
79Jonah Monheim (6-5 / 295 / R-So.)
72Elijah Paige (6-7 / 310 / Fr.)
LG
70Emmanuel Pregnon (6-5 / 315 / Jr.) OR
77Alani Noa (6-4 / 325 / Fr.)
C
57Justin Dedich (6-2 / 295 / R-Sr.)
67Kilian O’Connor (6-1 / 285 / So.)
RG
52Jarrett Kingston (6-4 / 305 / R-Sr.)
66Gino Quinones (6-3 / 300 / R-Sr.)
RT
71Michael Tarquin (6-5 / 300 / R-Sr.)
76Mason Murphy (6-5 / 310 / R-So.)
TE
87Lake McRee (6-5 / 230 / R-Fr.)
18Jude Wolfe (6-5 / 240 / R-Sr.)
84Carson Tabaracci (6-2 / 230 / R-Fr.)
WR
15Dorian Singer (6-0 / 180 / Jr.)
24Makai Lemon (5-11 / 190 / Fr.)
89Ja’Kobi Lane (6-4 / 180 / Fr.)
QB
13Caleb Williams (6-1 / 215 / Jr.)
7Miller Moss (6-2 / 200 / R-So.)
8Malachi Nelson (6-3 / 190 / Fr.)
RB
6Austin Jones (5-10 / 200 / R-Sr.) OR
0Marshawn Lloyd (5-9 / 210 / R-Jr.)
22Darwin Barlow (6-0 / 220 / R-Sr.)
21Quinten Joyner (5-11 / 205 / Fr.)

DEFENSE

No.NAME
RUSH
6Anthony Lucas (6-5 / 265 / So.) OR
10Jamil Muhammad (6-1 / 250 / R-Sr.) OR
34Braylan Shelby (6-5 / 245 / Fr.)
DT
99Jack Sullivan (6-5 / 275 / R-Sr.) OR
47Stanley Ta’ufo’ou (6-2 / 275 / R-Sr.)
56Elijah Hughes (6-3 / 270 / Fr.)
NT
92Kyon Barrs (6-2 / 290 / R-Sr.) OR
90Bear Alexander (6-3 / 300 / So.) OR
79De’jon Benton (6-1 / 270 / R-Sr.)
31Tyrone Taleni (6-2 / 280 / Sr.)
DE
51Solomon Byrd (6-3 / 250 / R-Sr.)
2Romello Height (6-3 / 230 / R-Jr.)
0Korey Foreman (6-4 / 235 / Jr.)
WILL
25Tackett Curtis (6-2 / 225 / Fr.)
18Eric Gentry (6-6 / 215 / So.)
9Raesjon Davis (6-0 / 220 / Jr.)
MIKE
13Mason Cobb (6-0 / 235 / Sr.)
53Shane Lee (6-0 / 240 / R-Sr.)
NICKEL
19Jaylin Smith (5-11 / 180 / Jr.)
17Christian Roland-Wallace (6-0 / 200 / R-Sr.)
24Christian Pierce (6-1 / 195 / Fr.)
CB
22Ceyair Wright (6-0 / 180 / R-So.)
17Christian Roland-Wallace (6-0 / 200 / R-Sr.) OR
16Prophet Brown (5-11 / 190 / R-So.)
FS
4Max Williams (5-9 / 185 / R-Sr.) OR
27Bryson Shaw (6-0 / 190 / R-Sr.)
8Zion Branch (6-2 / 210 / R-Fr.)
SS
7Calen Bullock (6-3 / 190 / Jr.)
15Anthony Beavers Jr. (6-1 / 210 / R-Jrr.)
24Christian Pierce (6-1 / 195 / Fr.)
CB
1Domani Jackson (6-1 / 190 / So.)
14Jacobe Covington (6-2 / 200 / R-Jr.)

90 thoughts on “USC Morning Buzz: Depth Chart Has Surprises”

      1. Trump said he had some special orange Cheeto makeup imported from China for his mugshot photo……a watermelon head only the MAGATs could love

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      3. Gabby aka The Guy who posts as TebowObama &So Cal's Wife & LawyerJohn & Pudly & Plow Horse & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young's avatar Gabby aka The Guy who posts as TebowObama &So Cal's Wife & LawyerJohn & Pudly & Plow Horse & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young says:

        How about less posting and more cleaning…disgusting

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      5. The twice impeached told MAGA world mugshots are a badge of honor….. More grifting will come through a flood of emails pleading for donations….

        Like

      7. Gabby aka The Guy who posts as TebowObama &So Cal's Wife & LawyerJohn & Pudly & Plow Horse & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young's avatar Gabby aka The Guy who posts as TebowObama &So Cal's Wife & LawyerJohn & Pudly & Plow Horse & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young says:

        Beavis and Butthead…..thanks for letting us know their view count…..it really makes a statement in the realm of nothing

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  2. You heard nothing all spring about Max Williams or Jaylin Smith and there starters? Bear Alexander can’t beat out journeyman players? Defense could be in for another long year

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    1. There is a big “OR” between Bear and Barrs. It doesn’t take anything away from Bear, it just means Barrs has played that good. Defense could actually kick ass this year. Look at the bodies at LB. A freshman beat out everyone? Granted it looks like Gentry is held back with an injury. By game 3 we will see the true depth chart, but this one looks like a lot of fun to watch. “Another long year” my ass.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. You see the same thing I do, we have three “starters” at one position. Maybe the defense won’t be gassed as much as it was last year.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. You see rats in your dumpster you live in, Cowardly Gabby aka The Guy who posts as TebowObama &So Cal’s Wife & LawyerJohn & Pudly & Plow Horse & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young

        Like

  4. The SC team’s makeup looks sensational
    But the “proof of the pudding is in the tasting”
    And with 6 ‘turkeys on the menu we may not know
    how well SC “tastes” until the Neuter Dame game

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. Roland Wallace must be kicking himself. Goes from a three year starter at Arizona to third string CB and second string nickel. In the interviews, Grinch praised Wallace for his ability to pick-up the defensive schemes and his versatility. If that is correct, what is his weakness – not athletic enough? You can’t beat out Prophet Brown who didn’t play his first two years.

    Looks like there is some humble pie for Zach Branch and Raleek as well. They are behind Mario Williams and Makai Lemon. And how did Hudson Ware manage to jump over all these big names to start.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. My crystal ball predicts Zach will be a freshman All-American

      Speaking of Zach, Mr. Branch wants to meet up with you. How about the gym you work at?

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      1. Gabby: Stop lying. The beauty of this blog is that a record exists of what people write. As a narcissist these recording truly limit your game but there good for the rest of us. You posted that Zach told his father in a private conversation that “he was toying with the secondary in practice. ” I criticized you for it, not Mr. Branch. Comments like that can lead to dissension between teammates. Here’s your 8/15/23 post and anyone who wants to read the full exchange can go back to that day:

        “Plow, all bantering aside, that was a really good take on Branch. I mentioned the other day about a text message Brent Browner, Bishop Gorman’s football coach, received from Zach’s dad. The message basically said, Zach has been toying with the secondary at practice.”

        So Gabby, are you going to apologize to Mr. Branch for posting a private conversation onto the internet or pull your usual narcissist bullshit and continue to lie about it.

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      2. road apple: You posted that Zach “told his father” in a private conversation that “he was toying with the secondary in practice.

        Gabby: I mentioned the other day about a text message Brent Browner, Bishop Gorman’s football coach, received from Zach’s dad. The message basically said, Zach has been toying with the secondary at practice.

        The fucking message came from the dad, dipshit. Where in the fuck did I say it was a quote from Zach or “he told his father?. Being the little bitch you are, you just assumed the player said it. Perhaps it was the dad’s opinion. Instead of taking it at face value, you went on one of your sociopath rants about how self-righteous you are.

        Once again, Mr. Branch wants to give you a good ass whipping for talking shit about his son.

        YOUR HORSE ASS GOT DEBUNKED AGAIN!

        BAAAAMMMMM CROTCH KICK!

        PS…..you and slo pa-troll both have reading comprehension issues…..I see why the law firms have all fired your ass!

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      4. Stop being an instigator, you limp-dick troll, before I give you a good ass whipping. Go find Tiny’s lube…..I need to release!

        Like

      6. Gabby aka The Guy who posts as TebowObama &So Cal's Wife & LawyerJohn & Pudly & Plow Horse & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young's avatar Gabby aka The Guy who posts as TebowObama &So Cal's Wife & LawyerJohn & Pudly & Plow Horse & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young says:

        eat, sleep, shit , Gabby, Joe, Hunter………24/7 rinse and repeat

        Like

      8. Why is Cal’s athletic department 450 million in the red? Why field teams if the incoming revenue can’t support the programs. Cal is the new orphan of college sports….HAHA!

        Hospice must suck!

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      10. I didn’t get the memo stating off-limit topics. Cal is a big boy who enjoys dishing it out. I have no idea if he’s in hospice…My opinion is that it sucks

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      15. Cowardly Gabby aka TebowObama aka The Guy who posts as So Cal’s Wife & LawyerJohn & Pudly & Plow Horse & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young is napalmed into oblivion and still thinks she is winning!

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  7. Dudes gotta play consistently in practice AND learn the playbook. That’s the effect of having Klingsbury around to help with installs and quality control for the offense. Meanwhile Riley can hold Grinch accountable while helping out with quality control. Coach Brown is probably helping out with installs to make the defense more sophisticated. They’ve put the entire playbook into the prep, no piecemeal like last year. No freaking excuse to lose to anyone this year. Look at TE group. Good enough, not great for this schedule. Oregon? Coach issues. Washington? Depth issues. Utah? Slow and no pass rush. Notre Dame? Offense is lame.

    Liked by 2 people

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  9. All these Trojan names, all these SC players, I can’t keep up
    And never have, couldn’t name 6 players today
    U-S-C U-S-C USC is all it’s about for me
    More a concept I suppose
    But few have been struck like I have experienced

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  10. Scott: Is this because Gentry has been hurt at times in training camp or just because Curtis played better?

    Hey, wolfman(dark at the moon)….Here’s a concept, get off the couch and go down to practice. When Riley addresses the media present your question.

    My bad, I forgot you lost your media credentials

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    1. Gabby –“I love mavericks cuz they’re willing to pay the price!”
      Gabby —“I hate mavericks cuz they have to pay the price!”
      #Okay

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      3. Interesting point GoTroy22. The thought even crossed my mind that Zach is down on the depth chart for disciplinary reasons. LR is all about the culture and would not be happy with a freshman receiver mocking the secondary. Players and coaches read this blog. The sad thing is that Zach may never have made the statement attributed to him. Gabby probably made the whole thing up to make himself look like someone who has inside information. Think about it, can you see the head coach of Gorman High School talking to Gabby about text messages that he received from Zach’s father. Give me a break. Gabby is a pathological liar. He also claims that he plays high stakes poker with Dana White and once won $30,000.

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      4. poor road apple got slapped around like a pinata and now backtracks making shit up to help ease the reality that he’s a little drama bitch.

        Now Brent and Mr. Branch want to meet up with you….they can meet you at the gym you work at….by the way, shitter #4 has fart-art all over the seat…

        PS….you should be more concerned as to why your old lady keeps a toy in her nightstand drawer. No shame in viagra

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      5. Let me put something to rest regarding Brent. We both use the same soccer coach for private training sessions for our daughters. I have had numerous conversations with him about football players and college recruiting. I have info not for your ears……HAHA!

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      6. Gabby: Does coach Brent of Bishop Gorman know you posted the following:

        Gabby
        AUGUST 15, 2023 AT 10:33 PM
        “I was posting what was said to me… So you’re getting your panties tied in a wade based on a text message you or I have never seen, and perhaps Brent was embellishing what was actually texted to him. Leave Zach out of it, you have no proof it was his words. . .”

        So your blaming the coach for your act of posting lies on the internet. Just what a narcissist would do. If you don’t know whether the statement attributed to Zach is true, then don’t post it. This is entirely your fault. Are you going to apologize ?Narcissist have great difficulty admitting their wrong.

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    2. Everybody was so high on gentry. Can’t have a giraffe at linebacker. Run right at him he was exposed on his roller skates

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      1. NAILED IT!…… Arguably, we had the worst-performing LB group in the Pac12 last season. roller skates for cleats!

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  11. Like I said on previous threads it’s about competition if a OR pops up for position that is great. That means there was stiff competition at each position. Secondly all these players will get snaps in the first half, be evaluated in actual real game time. A lot of surprises I believe LR is using the OR will make the preseason hype go away. I hope this makes the each player play each snap like it’s their last Don’tProduceYouWillNorPlayNoMatterWhoYouAre

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      1. With so many positions almost dead-even on the ‘SC football team
        You could commend the depth on the Trojan squad
        unless these competing players are only above-average

        Liked by 1 person

    2. That is fraudulent coach politics. You don’t see an OR at QB because they know who they trust. They don’t trust certain players so they put them in the OR box. Really? A freshman is going to start at WILL LB? I’m disappointed that last year’s defensive philosophy hasn’t changed. Yes, new players but damn, kinda small unless it’s Lucas, Sullivan, Barrs, Boyd(?) on first and second downs. I want to see more size inserted on first and second such as Lucas, Alexander, Barrs, Sullivan THEN go faster with Muhammed, Taleni, Alexander, Boyd for third and 7+. It also looks like they want to have Jackson and Covington on the Far-side Corner and Wright on the Near Boundary Corner. That means hopefully they will run some more zones and blitz more often. Roland-Wallace will become more valuable once he proves he can follow Grinch’s rules. If Max Williams is playing nickel again, that’s a red flag.

      I still don’t agree with the little, quick D-line philosophy of Grinch. It’s something that worked in 2017 but that dog doesn’t hunt anymore in 2023. I know Nua is hammering him about that because they moved Tuli to Rush End for the final eight games last year. That defensive depth chart is all on Grinch and I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt-for now.

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  12. MG, LJ is lighting a fire under the starters to remain hungry OR you will be replaced real fast. Stop the talk about Brown transferring he will be a 4 year player for USC, he will form Bush White 2.0 next year, he will bounce back to RB, if they don’t flip Frazier from MD. He just needs the ball in hands. I don’t believe Branch will be a 3 string. Too many impact player’s on offense the only thing is they have to let the play come to them when they have the opportunity.not let the moment be to big for them trying to make a big play n lose concentration.

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      1. I am the last SC rooter to ask about Trojan rosters, ‘7112,’
        But on paper it looks good; let’s see how it all plays out

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Scooter,

    Find out who will the lead the team out of the tunnel.

    By the middle of the 3rd quarter, everyone will have played and they can show what they can do in an actual game. It doesn’t matter if you start. If you get around 20-30 plays in the game, then the coaches can see what they have with the player.

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  14. Brown is hitting the portal. That is so obvious that he’s been put into the Gary Bryant position. Unless they tell him AND show him he’s going to have a special package of plays just for him then he’s outta here. Probably to Utah or Colorado.

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    1. We both called it…..you’re right, it’s obvious…..I say he makes it through the first four games so he doesn’t burn up a redshirt year…….Gary bryant 2.0

      Sorry, Eric, I just don’t see a place for him when we have Zach who is bigger, stronger, faster, more elusive, and has better hands and route-running skills

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      2. “Let’s meet up”…….Shit!……you can’t even get out of bed……nice bedpan…..ouch!

        I have owned guns going back 45 years….since I was 12 years old and passed my hunter’s safety course.

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      3. Let’s meet up
        Still wondering which college you graduated from.

        You and your relatives seem to know about bedpans and hospice. I’m so sorry for you. Do you bring your bedpan to the table or do you use a catheter ?? Inquiring minds need to know.

        Like

      4. Gabby aka The Guy who posts as TebowObama &So Cal's Wife & LawyerJohn & Pudly & Plow Horse & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young's avatar Gabby aka The Guy who posts as TebowObama &So Cal's Wife & LawyerJohn & Pudly & Plow Horse & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young says:

        says the clown Barker peddling weapons on the carnival circuit.

        Like

      5. Plow Horse's avatar Gabby aka The Guy who posts as So Cal's Wife & Lawyer John & Pudly & Plow House & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young says:

        why do you continue to buck the 450 million dollar question?

        Like

      6. You really are a fiend, Cowardly Gabby aka The Guy who posts as TebowObama &So Cal’s Wife & LawyerJohn & Pudly & Plow Horse & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young. Even worse than this loathsome creature.

        Like

  15. I’m pretty sure this depth chart means almost nothing for the long term. USC has six weeks of competition before they really lock in true starters.

    The receiver room depth chart is meaningless. I think it is more being used to challenge guys that are not practicing hard enough and maybe even being used to fake out opponents. The different combos of receivers on the field at any given time is going to make this chart useless.

    The offensive depth chart makes lots of sense and shows incredible depth.

    The defensive depth chart in the secondary looks like favoritism and a tragedy in the making.

    – Is Max Williams a starter simply because they want to keep his brother as a future recruit. Max was horrible last year. He is undersized too.
    – Jaylin Smith was not good last year. No way he stays a starter.

    Interesting…
    – Domani Jackson is a starter
    – Tackett Curtis is a starter
    – Alani Noa is going to get alot of playing time and push to get on the field (but will Pregnon be the one to get pushed out?) Could Pregnon move to right guard?
    – Surprising that Kyron Hudson is one of the starters, good for him
    – Christian Roland Wallace is going to play alot and it wont matter that he is not a “starter”
    – I really question Ceyair Wright as a starter over Covington, but once again, the depth chart to start is not the depth chart at the end of the season

    Barring injuries…

    – Marshawn Lloyd will be the #1 running back
    – Zion Branch will be a starter by year end
    – Christian Roland Wallace will be a starter at a position by year end
    – Shane Lee will be third on depth chart by year end, with Raesjon as 2nd string
    – Both Barrs and Bear will be on the field at the same time. no way Bear remains off the field.

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    1. Liked!……Max was horrible last year. He is undersized too

      We basically both said the same thing throughout last season. I doubt he’s even 5’9″

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    2. Gametv your correct if you play all the 1st n 2nd string at least 30-35 snaps they won’t be tired in the 4th qtr thou. I won’t to see an auro of the old SC teams play like you belong and don’t worry about the outside noise.

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  17. Oh oh, I just read ‘Celeb’s latest interview and he is frustrated,
    says he yells at his team quite frequntly and that there are a lot of new guys
    He did lose his Number-1 receiver and running back

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Caleb wants and expects perfection –which is cool —but he sometimes gets demoralized for an entire series or two when things don’t go the way he wants in games …..
      #SomebodyNeedsToGetOverThat…Now

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      1. Good point, he is very emotional especially for a man
        He’s great when he is “on” but this pouting on the sidelines after a poor series does not suit a leader well

        Liked by 3 people

    1. Let’s meet up

      The bane of this blog. Stuck in 120°f Vegas. Must suck but count on that 65¢ per post as your taxable income.

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      3. You are a ghoul, Cowardly Gabby aka TebowObama aka The Guy who posts as So Cal’s Wife & Lawyer John & Pudly & Plow House & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young

        Like

    2. From the Mayo Clinic:

      Antisocial personality disorder, sometimes called sociopathy, is a mental health condition in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong and ignores the rights and feelings of others. People with antisocial personality disorder tend to purposely make others angry or upset and manipulate or treat others harshly or with cruel indifference. They lack remorse or do not regret their behavior.

      Liked by 1 person

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  19. I don’t get how a walk-on player can be the 2nd string center when that player is 6’1″ and 280 lbs.? That has to be a mistake. I mean, Micah Banuelos is a center. . .that’s why he was recruited to USC, right?

    The depth chart reveals some naivete that exists on the coaching staffs decisions. I hope that doesn’t come back to ruin the opportunity for an undefeated season.

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    1. Agree World:

      It is very difficult for a true freshman arriving in the fall to pick-up the center position. If Dedich is injured, Gino Quinones will likely move from backup guard to center. I don’t believe that part of the depth chart. Micah Banuelos will likely need a year or two to develop but he looks like someone who will start in the future.

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      1. Plow Horse's avatar Gabby aka The Guy who posts as So Cal's Wife & Lawyer John & Pudly & Plow House & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young says:

        Road apple: Micah Banuelos will likely need a year or two to develop but he looks like someone who will start in the future

        Quit spreading rumors about this player on the internet….It’s not good for team morale. Riley wants to have a talk with you.

        Like

      2. When will you stop being a coward and fight Plow Horse like you promised, Cowardly Gabby aka TebowObama aka The Guy who posts as So Cal’s Wife & Lawyer John & Pudly & Plow House & steveg49 & DOJ & Scott Wolf and Frank Young?

        Like

  20. Eric Gentry shouldn’t play at all. From what I’ve have heard, he is not 100%. Why would you risk losing him against San Jose State.

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  22. The depth chart will change from week to week depending on PFF grades or do they use that quite honestly. Sometimes analytics are overrated it doesn’t tell the whole story just certain numerical metrics. Too much analytics is bad for a Risk Management Plan. Too many what ifs and not enough forsight to predict the % of Probability Plan, to offset the Mitigation Plan without using certain benchmarks to further support the unknown variables with no values. ,= Depth chart starter’s OR new players who haven’t played much in the system. Using PPF for a player who has played 600 snaps vs. 50 snaps. Thought I give you a little bit of Project Management Analogy MG, Gametv Gabby, TW GT OneWayne., 1967 n etc…

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