For the last word on the NFL Draft, here’s Petros Papadakis today: “In the last five NFL Drafts, the Bruins have had 22 players picked and the Trojans have had 19 picks. How does that happen? “There’s a picture of how USC was getting great players but couldn’t manage to develop the talent. That specifically points to Clay Helton’s lack of just about everything. They … Continue reading A USC-UCLA NFL Draft Comparison

Winners Austin Jackson He got drafted higher than expected as offensive tackles were coveted in this draft. Will he live up to some of the past USC offensive lineman taken in first round? Michael Pittman From special teams player as a freshman to second-round pick. He seems destined for success. JT Daniels After initial reports to the contrary it seems like the NCAA will allow … Continue reading USC Winners And Losers Of The Week

With so much uncertainty over next season, it’s easy to forget about USC ticket sales. But a USC booster I haven’t spoken to in several years emailed to say he was not renewing his season tickets that he held since 1993. “I have two other friends that are also not renewing, “he wrote. USC has not announced season-ticket renewal rates but it seems pretty easy … Continue reading A Familiar Issue Resurfaces

Some people are making an excuse that USC had only two players drafted because there was a small senior class. But there were 39 draft-eligible players on the roster entering the season. What about all the draft-eligible defensive linemen like Jay Tufele and Brandon Pili, etc.? Under normal conditions, they would be ready to go pro. They were not. There is such a need for … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Where Is Player Development?

USC had 15 players selected in the 1953 NFL Draft. The draft were for 30 rounds back then, which sounds unbelievable in today’s culture. Here’s the first USC selected, tailback Al Carmichael, who was taken with the seventh pick by the Green Bay Packers. Others selected included running back Jim Sears, QB Rudy Bukich, guard Elmer Willhoite, tackle Charley Ane and defensive back/fullback Jim Psaltis. … Continue reading Now This Was A USC Draft

Hey, things can always be worse. In 1998, USC had only one player drafted (cornerback Brian Kelly). Just one year earlier, it was a different story. USC defensive tackle Darrell Russell was the No. 2 pick overall by the Raiders. Russell weighed 320 pounds and ran a 4.8-second, 40-yard dash. He was All-Pro in 1998 and 1999. Tragically, Russell and former USC wide receiver Mike … Continue reading USC Notes: There Was A Worse NFL Draft