If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
I spoke to a USC player on Thursday about the new Friday depth chart policy promised by Clay Helton. I asked the player what difference he thought the depth chart would make? “It won’t mean anything,” the player said. “The team won’t worry about it.” This goes back to a recurring theme for the Trojans: The players are pretty much over listening to Helton. So … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
Graham Harrell Keeps It Simple
New USC offensive coordinator Graham Harrell is starting to remind me of Vince Lombardi when he talks about the offense. Lombardi could spend an entire day speaking about his sweep play at a coaching clinic and the Packers dared opponents to stop a play that everyone knew was coming. Here’s what Harrell said tonight: “We have like four run plays. “This is all you have to … Continue reading Graham Harrell Keeps It Simple
Greg Johnson Returns To Practice
USC cornerback Greg Johnson, who placed his name in the NCAA transfer portal, is dressed and at Howard Jones Field for today’s practice. What he can do is limited because he is still injured. I reported yesterday Johnson met with Clay Helton and was leaning toward returning to the team. UPDATED: Johnson participated in the entire practice so his shoulder injury is apparently OK. In … Continue reading Greg Johnson Returns To Practice
Can A Coach Change?
Clay Helton is acting sterner at practices and with the media. That is not really how he is, obviously, but he means business. The problem is players can detect falseness. Helton himself has frequently talked about being who you are with the players. So will they respond to a harsher, meaner Helton? I think many of them have already tuned him out so the impact … Continue reading Can A Coach Change?
Happy Birthday Lynn Swann!
Today is Lynn Swann’s birthday. Let’s imagine how he might spend his dream day. Early round of golf. Lunch at Wilshire Country Club (no autographs). Late round of golf. Offend USC fans with statement proclaiming he knows better than you. Ignore interview requests from media. Wait for phone call from former teammates wishing him happy birthday (crickets chirping). Move season tickets of more long-time fans. … Continue reading Happy Birthday Lynn Swann!
USC Morning Buzz: Will Clay Helton Pick A Starting QB On Fridays?
How will Clay Helton‘s “Friday” depth chart work for the quarterbacks? The starting quarterback always gets the majority of the snaps in practice. That means you know who is going to start by reps unless a QB is hurt and trying to heal. Does Helton imply that a quarterback might get 20 percent of the snaps Tuesday-Thursday but then suddenly make a leap because the … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Will Clay Helton Pick A Starting QB On Fridays?
