Clany Pendergast has former Dallas Cowboys coach Dave Campo overseeing the defense and offering advice as a “consultant.” But here is the rub: Pendergast is notoriosly insecure. So he brings in Campo, who is 72 and no one will mistake as a candidate to become defensive coordinator. In fact, other than 3 years at Kansas from 2012-15, Campo hasn’t even coached outside the NFL since … Continue reading This Passes As Outside Help At USC

This is a bit of a weird one. When USC scrimmages at the Coliseum on Aug. 17, the team will sign autographs before the scrimmage (see above). Before the scrimmage? One former USC player told me there was no way he could sign autographs or take pictures an hour before the scrimmage because he would be too focused on the mock game. In the past, … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Odd Scrimmage Schedule

Cornerback Dorian Hewett was cleared to practice and promptly steamrollered by wide receiver Michael Pittman. Cornerback Olaijah Griffin intercepted his third pass in two days. Today’s was off a JT Daniels pass for a pick six. Clay Helton said Griffin had surgery on both shoulders in the offseason. The quarterbacks were inconsistent, which is hardly unusual at this time of the year. Wide receiver John … Continue reading USC Practice No. 2 Is Over

The new catch-phrase for USC training camp is “two spot.” It’s jargon, of course, that Clay Helton uses to explain how he is running the offense at two ends of the field so the quarterbacks get more reps. It’s a good idea if the quarterback competition is actually open. Looks like former USC wide receiver Trevon Sidney is off to a fast start at Illinois. … Continue reading USC Notes: Quarterbacks Get More Reps

Clay Helton was asked if it is tougher for him to recruit after going 5-7 and you would never know USC’s recruiting class is ranked in the 50’s by Rivals and 247. “It’s USC. The product of USC is special. The one thing, the beauty about this place is it’s never hard to recruit. The quality of education, the opportunity to get developed by this … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Clay Helton Says USC Recruiting Has Not Changed

USC’s first practice did not include wide receiver Bru McCoy, who is on anti-biotics and could be out 1-2 weeks. Defensive tackle Brandon Pili did not finish the practice and defensive lineman Jacob Lichtenstein sat out. JT Daniels threw a long TD pass to Michael Pittman during practice. Wide receiver John Jackson suffered a possible strained hamstring. Now for some hype: Look at the play … Continue reading USC Practice Report