Astoundingly, USC players make up exactly half of ESPN.com's Pac-10 All-Decade team: QB Matt Leinart, TB Reggie Bush, WR Dwayne Jarrett, C Ryan Kalil, OT Sam Baker, DT Sedrick Ellis, DE Kenechi Udeze, LB Rey Maualuga, LB Keith Rivers, S Troy Polamalu, S Taylor Mays and P Tom Malone.... more »
Inarguably, USC lost a lot of talent to the NFL Draft following the 2008 season.A closer look at the stats reveals just how incredibly much.The 11 Trojan draft picks from last year have played in a combined 95 games and racked up a combined 54 starts during their rookie seasons this fall -- and that's through just Week 13.... more »
(Photo of Brian Cushing looking to kill somebody by Icon Sports Media)
Check out this article from Len Pasquarelli at ESPN about the success four rookies from USC are having in the NFL this season. Here is an excerpt:
Putting four linebackers into the NFL in one year, all of them rookie starters at one point in the season, and with three of the defenders now regulars with their respective franchises, is a pretty remarkable feat. Then again, Brian Cushing (Houston), Clay Matthews Jr. (Green Bay) Rey Maualuga (Cincinnati) and Kaluka Maiava (Cleveland) all appear to be special players.
The quartet has combined to start 33 games through the first 12 weeks of the season. Cushing, a viable candidate for defensive rookie of the year honors, and Maualuga both have started every contest for their teams. Matthews, the son of former NFL standout outside linebacker Clay Matthews and a one-time walk-on at USC, has started eight games for the Packers, after opening the season as a situational pass-rusher
Here are some week 9 highlights of former Trojans now playing in the NFL. This week features
David Buehler, Dwayne Jarrett, Reggie Bush, Terrell Thomas, Steve Smith, Kevin Ellison, Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga (Cinco Ocho), Carson Palmer, Troy Polamalu and Brian Cushing.
Fight On!
(Video created by Eric Espinoza and the USC video operations department)
Linebacker U appears to have moved to L.A.Three Trojan linebackers will be playing big roles when the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans meet on Sunday, as Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing will be starting for their respective teams. Rivers and Cushing lead their teams in tackles so far this year.Read all about this cool connection in this... more »
AP Photo Quarterbacks Terrelle Pryor and Matt Barkley will be the focal point for Saturday's Ohio State-USC throwdown. Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg and Ted Miller All eyes will be on Columbus this weekend as No. 3 USC visits No. 8 Ohio State (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET). Before the two teams lock horns on the banks of the Olentangy... more »
The NFL preseason resumes tonight with two games featuring seven Trojans. Check them out:Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots 4:30 p.m.Bengals: Quarterback Carson Palmer, defensive end Frostee Rucker, linebacker Keith Rivers, linebacker Rey MaualugaPhiladelphia Eagles vs. Indianapolis Colts 5 p.m. (Fox)Eagles: Offensive lineman Winston Justice, defensive lineman Mike PattersonColts: Defensive lineman Fili Moala... more »
Some quick things to get your day started...I will have more later today. USC Football McKnight proves he's no ordinary JoeA great article on Joe McKnight! Taylor Mays: Far and Beyond The Top Player in College Football " Behind the Box ScoreNice article on Taylor Mays 'Always Compete' reveals Pete Carroll's prankster side - CFB NewsHere is a nice... more »
Brian Cushing's New 'Do. Photo by Brett Coomer Chronicle
From Rookie hazings to hard-hitting, the members of the Trojan linebacker quartet are finding their place in the NFL.
StingRey: The Bengals are finding out rather quickly just how effective linebacker Rey Maualuga can be as a pass-rusher. I can tell you this, you’re not going to block him with a running back. Just ask Kenny Watson, who was thumped by Maualuga on a play when rushing the passer. Watson was left sprawled on the field like road kill. He had to shake out the cobwebs before being helped to his feet by teammates. - Springfield News-Sun
Clay Matthews is moving on up: "First-rounder Clay Matthews surpassed Jeremy Thompson as the Packers' starting right outside linebacker Monday. It took Matthews all of three practices to force the move. Coach Mike McCarthy is downplaying the change, but it's clear the job is now Matthews' to lose. Matthews is a more natural outside linebacker than Thompson, able play the run while also providing a pass rushing presence." - Rotoworld
Brian Cushing has new haircut: “I'm a lot cooler now at practice, so I'm happy about that,” Cushing said. “I had a pretty good feeling about what was going to go on. It was part of the rookie entertainment. I went up there and sang a song, and the second part of it was getting my hair cut...It's about two years right there, off in about 30 seconds. It's a lot quicker to cut than to grow.” -Chron.com
Kaluka Maiava has made Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini a fan – “He’s done a good job. He’s been working inside, both spots inside and some work on sub, which we haven’t gotten to at this point, but we will here shortly. He’s a guy that I thought was very smart when I interviewed him. I liked his style of play. I liked what he had done on special teams in college and I think that he’ll get a chance to contribute in a lot of different ways if he continues to progress.” -The Cleveland Leader
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed their second-round draft pick Rey Maualuga. ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that the deal is worth $4.66 million. $2.84 million of the deal is guaranteed.
Here is a quote from Rey’s Facebook page:
just signed my contract. its time to rumble in the jungle. here we come!! WHO DEY!!
Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller We spent a lot of time talking about quarterbacks this spring in the Pac-10, most particularly USC's quarterback competition -- did ya hear, Aaron Corp's No. 1 but this freshman Matt Barkley looks like the bees' knees! The other general theme isn't new: After reviewing the tea leaves on the table, does any team... more »
Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller USC Trojans 2008 overall record: 12-1 2008 conference record: 8-1 Returning starters Offense 9, defense 3, kicker/punter 0 Top returners WR Damian Williams, C Kristofer O'Dowd, OT Charles Brown, OG Jeff Byers, TB Stafon Johnson, TB Joe McKnight, FS Taylor Mays, CB Josh Pinkard, DE Everson Griffen. Key losses QB Mark Sanchez, LB Rey... more »
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