If it weren’t July, would anyone care who was on a preseason All-Pac-12 team? But it’s a quiet part of the year so it gets picked up. The media selected the team and five USC players made the first team: QB Caleb Williams, WR Dorian Singer, DB Calen Bullock, P Eddie Czaplicki and AP/ST Raleek Brown. So two of the five first-teamers are special teams. … Continue reading USC Notes: Five Players Named Pac-12 First Team

How will USC keep its running backs happy this season? The Trojans have six backs capable of playing this season and in the best of times, playing three is a challenge. I expect a lot from South Carolina-transfer MarShawn Lloyd. But returning tailback Austin Jones will play and Raleek Brown looks like he can play in the slot and at tailback. So where does that … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Can USC Keep Six Tailbacks Happy?

Five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews of Lilburn, Ga., will announce his commitment on Wednesday at 4 p.m. His final four are USC, Tennessee, Georgia and Clemson. He visited USC four weeks ago. The Trojans are considered a long shot. Which leads to a follow-up question: What has The Tommy Group, led by Keyshawn Johnson, done since it formed in February? I haven’t see a single … Continue reading USC Notes: Recruiting Announcement Looms

It’s a good time to talk to college coaches before training camp starts, so I spoke to a Big 12 coach about USC. “Their defense lacked toughness,” the coach said. “That’s not a new trait for a Lincoln Riley team. But it was probably something USC fans didn’t expect. “They have a chance this season to rectify that. But will they? They are going to … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: It’s All About The Defense

This is an awful time of the year because I invariably get sent something that says a player or coach is “doing work.” A coach recruiting is “doing work.” A player lifting weights is “doing work.” A recruit breaking up a pass at a 7-on-7 is “doing work.” It’s so tedious. All these people are doing “their jobs.” Like everyone else in their positions across … Continue reading Please Bury The Phrase “Doing WorK”

BYU coach Kalani Sitake attended his first Big 12 media day after the Cougars were an independent. “I got some tips from (quarterback) Kedon Slovis,” Sitake said. “He’s been to more media days than I have.” He coached at USC from 1999-2009 and with the Seahawks from 2010-2016. He is currrently senior pastor at Evergreen Baptist Church in La Puente. This will upset more recent members of the … Continue reading USC Notes: A Familiar Face Returns To Coaching