Clay Helton told the players six weeks ago he would hire a strength coach in two weeks. But Aaron Ausmus will start Monday, one day before spring practice begins. A small thing in the big picture of running the football program but it doesn’t add to his credibility with the team, does it? Especially when you need to improve your image with the team. I … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: More Players Expected To Transfer?

Is USC going to be able to overcome its internal issues or will everything fall apart if the Trojans lose a couple games in the first month or so of the season? I think the biggest issue for a team with weak leadership is what happens when it deals with adversity? That will be a key question next season. Continue reading USC Question Of The Day

Look below at that amazing presentation Clay Helton delivered last night in Portland. The top part of the screen says “USC Football . . . Our Football Culture.” What is the culture? To let a program disintegrate? To let players do what they want? To coddle stars? To coach poorly? To commit penalties? To recruit poorly? To hire John Baxter and Clancy Pendergast? It’s literally … Continue reading USC Has A Football Culture Per Clay Helton

USC held tryouts for walk-ons this week. I hope there were a lot of wide receivers and cornerbacks who showed up. And maybe every other positions. Plus maybe some tryouts for a head coach, athletic director and school president. Then maybe we will see some improvements and people want to renew their season tickets. When wide receiver Puka Nacua committed to Washington, a lot of … Continue reading USC Looking For Players

The fact wide receiver Velus Jones and cornerback Greg Johnson, two players who had no business transferring, would leave just days before USC opens spring practice provides a stark example of why I repeatedly stress how much unhappiness exists behind-the-scenes inside the McKay Center. When Bru McCoy left in January, I was told older players told him they wanted to leave too but were scared. … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Now You Know Why Morale Gets Mentioned

Does it make sense for Randal Grimes, Josh Imatorbhebhe, Trevon Sidney, Bru McCoy and Velus Jones to transfer out of USC? Or for Puka Nacua to decommit? Everyone is different and their reasons. But here is a reason for more than one that I can confirm: There is a feeling among the wide receivers (and other positions) that Clay Helton plays favorites. They see how … Continue reading Why Are So Many Receivers Leaving?