Here are some random thoughts on the win: - It was a win, but a frustrating one. The 1st quarter started smoothly with a quick 3-and-out from Wazzu followed by a quick TD from SC, but then 3 holding penalties, 1 offsides, 1 personal foul, and 1 roughing the kicker happened. Let's not even talk about the 3rd quarter...... more »
The offense got off to a strong start, but they were inconsistent and fumbled more than they should have, but on the bright side, coaches opened up the playbook and allowed Matt Barkley to complete some deep passes. However this offense, and the receiving game in particular, needs to play better. Trojan fans eagerly await the return of the fastest receiver, Ronald Johnson, who suffered a shoulder injury in the scrimmage game in August.
This defense is impressive. They almost held the Cougars to a shutout if it were not for Aaron Corp's fumble late in the game. Defensive back Marshall Jones and defensive tackle Hebron Fangupo each suffered season ending injuries in this game. Injuries are part of the game, and this is why it never hurts to have depth like USC does. Pete Carroll and coaching staff "stockpile" talent, and given the current waves of injuries, this is when the depth is tested.
USC is recruiting Oaks Christian tailback/linebacker Malcolm Jones, the younger brother of Trojans cornerback Marshall Jones, to be a fullback in the mold of Stanley Havili. Malcolm Jones was offered a scholarship in February.... more »
<!--start image--><!-- end image-->Plans can change in the course of a simple meeting. After USC cornerback Shareece Wright suffered a season-ending injury early in 2008, the USC coaches decided to call Marshall Jones in for a chat. Now that he's begun to adjust to a new position, Jones has his eyes set on big things in 2009. Go inside... more »
<!--start image--><!-- end image-->Tuesday afternoon quarterback Aaron Corp and the rest of the Trojans were back on the practice field getting ready for spring football. USCFootball.com shot this exclusive video of the 11-on-11 action, including tailback highlights and interceptions by linebacker Malcolm Smith and cornerback Marshall Jones... more »
Some thoughts on USC's Junior Day: D.J. Morgan (above) and Dillon Baxter, both commits for 2010 class, are really making a concerted effort to try and recruit players to join the class. Baxter, who's been very involved in the program, reminds me a lot of D.J. Shoemate who also committed early and was vocal early on. Cassius Marsh, DT from... more »
Sophomore Marshall Jones is playing cornerback along with his natural position of safety. ``We moved him and he looked very comfortable,'' Pete Carroll said. ``That just makes him that more valuable. He's a good-sized, solid cornerback.''... more »
While everyone focuses on freshmen like Joe McKnight and Kris O'Dowd, USC coach Pete Carroll pulled aside wide receiver Brandon Carswell, tight end Rhett Ellison and safety Marshall Jones and informed them not to expect to play against Idaho, because the coaches are still deciding whether to redshirt the players.... more »
Welcome to the final scrimmage, where even Mitch Mustain is a team captain. And fans are restricted to one side of the stadium. Once again, we are brought to you by Roman Meal, the official bread of Peter Caesar Carroll. And after an offsides penalty, Chauncey Washington goes 63 yards on the first play before being pushed out by... more »
(Photo by KEVORK DJANSEZIAN, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)
JD Booty's best duds seem to be a pimp, white-on-white shirt & tie combo.
Early on Pete said that USC has never needed to rely on the QB spot. There was a system for Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart that allowed them to function as point guards -- just distributing the ball.
One reporter asked Pete what he thought of Jim Harbaugh mentioning in his press conference that USC could be the best team ever.
"Gotta love Jim, don't you... I'm glad he thinks that."
Booty said that his go-to weapon, Patrick Turner, has shared a similar situation to him -- waiting on the sidelines watching great players but is now ready to show the world he is one.
New faces in familiar numbers: RoJo getting DJ's #8 is the most notable. Kalil's #67 is now freshman DE Michael Reardon. (Sophmore C.J. Gable and safety Taylor Mays have already switched to Steve Smith's #2.)
#4 - Joe McKnight, RB
#6 - Malcolm Smith, LB
#8 - Ronald Johnson, WR/CB
#15 - Aaron Corp, QB
#26 - Marc Tyler, RB
#27 - Marshall Jones, S
#29 - Broderick Green, RB
#37 - Jordan Campbell, FB
#40 - Rhett Ellison, TE
#44 - Christian Tupou, DT
#54 - Chris Galippo, LB
#61 - Kristofer O'Dowd, C
#67 - Michael Reardon, DE
#72 - Martin Coleman, OL
#80 - Brandon Carswell, WR
#82 - Damian Williams, WR
#92 - Trey Henderson, DE
#93 - Everson Griffen, DE
#98 - Da'John Harris, DT
Joe McKnight (#4) and Marc Tyler (#26) will don the same numbers they ran wild with in high school.
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