Is this going to be the enduring image of spring practice? Clay Helton knows it’s always good to stay close to Carol Folt. Meanwhile the fourth round of the NFL Draft provided relief for USC as Jay Tufele was the first pick and went to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Six picks later, Detroit took Amon-Ra St. Brown. Talanoa Hufanga went to the San Francisco 49ers in … Continue reading The Lasting Image Of Spring Football

No matter what happens today, who predicted USC would have only one player selected in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft? It’s crushed the fanboys (including some media) that Amon-Ra St. Brown did not get picked Friday although I suspect NFL teams did not want to use such an early pick for a receiver with his size. The other possible prospect — defensive … Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: Where Did All The Draft Picks Go?

It’s the last day of spring practice and Clay Helton unleashed this familiar refrain today: “Everybody’s going to have to earn a job. We’re going to play the best kids that are in the moment.” That’s a cliche. But how often is it even true at USC? Many times, you already know who is starting no matter what happens at practice . . . or … Continue reading Clay Helton Claims Jobs Must Be Earned

USC’s had two offensive linemen drafted in the first round the past two seasons and the offensive line was still a weak spot for the Trojans. What does that tell you? You can blame former offensive line coach Tim Drevno (like Clay Helton and Graham Harrell). I was pretty critical of Drevno while he was at USC, but I don’t blame him for the past … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

The Jets traded up to get the 14th pick and chose Alijah Vera-Tucker. The Jets hope he works out as well as the last USC offensive lineman they took in the first round: Marvin Powell in 1977. The Jets recently have taken these USC players in first round: Mark Sanchez (2009); Leonard Williams (2015) and Sam Darnold (2018). They also took Dave Cadigan (1988) and … Continue reading Alijah Vera-Tucker Goes To Jets

Zach Wilson went No. 2. Is he worth it? Trey Lance No. 3? Is he worth it? I know Jared Goff and Carsen Wentz weren’t worth it. Penei Sewell is worth it. Is Alijah Vera-Tucker destined for being picked between 15-20? We will see. Continue reading Where Will Alijah Vera-Tucker Get Drafted?