When the Trojans came out for practice this morning they were surprised to
see a wet, muddy field. Apparently, the sprinklers were left on overnight
causing the field too be quite slippery. The wet conditions didn't have much of
an effect on the action.
Cornerback's Step Up
Going against a receiving unit that includes Patrick Turner, David Ausberry
and Vidal Hazelton on a daily basis can be quite a challenging proposition. But
today the cornerbacks clearly got the best of the battle. Cary Harris, Kevin Thomas and Terrell Thomas each had a pass deflection and kept Patrick Turner and
David Ausberry contained all morning.
Shotgun
For the first time in the Pete Carroll Era, USC is going to use the shotgun
formation. Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian has installed the formation
during camp. The Trojans came out in the shotgun formation several times today
during 7-on-7 and in team drills.
Injury Report
Will Harris suffered a sprained ankle during Thursday's scrimmage and was
held out of today's practice. Sam Baker and Kevin Thomas were back in action
today and Coach Carroll expects Vidal Hazelton and Drew Radovich to participate
in today's afternoon practice.
Pictures from Saturday Morning's session:
Sedrick Ellis has quietly been the best defensive lineman on the field through
fall camp. Here he stops C.J. Gables in his tracks.
Running Back Allen Bradford finishes off a nice run.
Taylor Mays goes high for the ball in a drill.
The hardest working men and women on the field. Not only do the USC Managers run
equipment all over the practice fields, they sometimes serve as scout team
running backs for position drills. This was during a defensive lineman
recognition drill.
We've said it before, but it's worth repeating: with all of the talk of the
tailback logjam, Fullback Stanley Havili has been the Trojans' best all around
back during fall camp.
John David Booty lets one fly.
It took two weeks, but we finally saw David Ausberry drop a pass today. It
wasn't this one though, as he hauled one in during 7v7. It might be another two
weeks and 300 thrown balls before he drops another.
It wasn't this one either, as Ausberry brought this one in amidst tight
coverage.
Kevin Thomas, back on the field this week, had a spectacular break up of a post
route against Ausberry.