Terrell Thomas
How bout some USC Alumni NFL highlights…. Carson Palmer had a big day on Sunday going 20 of 24 for 233 with 5 TD passes. Other former Trojans featured in the highlights are Clay Matthews, Troy Polamalu, Reggie Bush, Fred Davis, Steve Smith, Terrell Thomas, Justin Fargas and Mark Sanchez.
The NFL 2010 Pro Bowl ballots are now available online. Click here to vote for any of your favorite Trojans.
2010 Pro Bowl Ballot [NFL.com]
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Road games at Ohio State, Washington, California, Notre Dame, Oregon, Arizona State and for some reason the media thinks the world is going to crash down upon the Trojans. Articles like "Tough road slate could derail USC in '09" and "Don't be surprised if ... USC's run of seven consecutive Pac-10 titles ends in 2009", cast a shadow of gloom upon the 2009 season. And why? New quarterback in Aaron Corp, bunch of defensive leaders gone to the NFL, a situation that USC has never faced before under Carroll. The last time Pete Carroll has faced such an extraordinary predicament was way back when...in 2008.
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Here we are, only minutes away from the '09 draft. But before the clock starts running, how about a look back to the Trojans of '08. How did they fare in their rookie seasons?
Sedrick Ellis, 7th overall, Saints: 30 tackles, 4 sacks.
Keith Rivers, 9th overall, Bengals: 37 tackles (in 7 games), a forced fumble and an interception before being eliminated from the season by a crushing block from Hines Ward.
Sam Baker, 21st overall, Falcons: Started 5 games, played 7. Integral force in Matt Ryan and the Falcons impressive post-Vick turnaround.
Lawrence Jackson, 28th overall, Seahawks: 29 tackles, 2 sacks.
Chilo Rachal, 2nd round - 7th pick, 49ers: Started 6 games, played 8.
Fred Davis, 2nd round -17th pick, Redskins: 3 receptions for 27 yards. If Sanchez lands there, Davis may get a increase in passes thrown his way.
Terrell Thomas, 2nd round, 32nd pick, Giants: 45 tackles, a blocked kick, a forced fumble and an interception.
John David Booty, 5th round, 2nd pick, Vikings: Has yet to get his feet wet.
Thomas Williams, 5th round, 20th pick, Jaguars: 1 tackle, 1 forced fumble.
Chauncey Washington, 7th round, 6th pick, Jaguars: 4 carries, 9 yards. 1 reception, 9 yards.
So the big winners last year were Terrell Thomas and Keith Rivers until...
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Here are our thoughts on the guys that stood out in last nights presentation. Full bios and direct quotes from Pete Carroll after the jump.
John Martinez, OL, 4-STAR
Just a nasty, pancake blocking guard. He can get down field too (a la Jeff Byers). Highlight after highlight he would pull from his guard position, run and then just destroy someone. They want him to play center. He will be a cornerstone of a future O-line group.
Kevin Graf, OL, 4-STAR
This guy is 6'6" and 315 pounds. He looked like the green giant against his high school peers.
Matt Barkley, QB, 5-STAR
Not much needs to be said. #1 player in the country. Big arm. Can read defenses. Dedicated. His eyes were nearly popping out of his head when he spoke to the coaches following Mark Sanchez's departure.
De'Von Flournoy, WR, 4-STAR
Holy cow. Not sure if we have ever seen a highlight reel like his. There were over 20 plays. And not one that didn't go for a touchdown. Very impressive speed and sense of other players around him.
Jacob Harfman, K, 2-STAR
A little shorter than David Buehler but definitely of the same mold (a big, physical kicker). He can do it all — placekicking and punts. He was 3 for 3 over 50 yards and has kicked a 70 yarder in practice. He has incredible hangtime on his kickoffs if anyone ever does decide to take it out, they will be met with the Trojans special teams before getting to the 20. The ball just explodes off his foot.
Hebron Fangupo, DT, 4-STAR
Great penetration up the middle, even while drawing double teams on every play.
James Boyd, DE, 4-STAR
An incredible athlete that was actually the starting QB for his high school too. He is a freaking defensive end! He plays basketball too (and averages 25 points and 22 rebounds).
Devon Kennard, DE, 5-STAR
A prototypical freak defensive end. Hopefully with a more malleable attitude than Everson Griffen.
Frankie Telfort, LB, 4-STAR
He ran a 4.39. He is a cerebral player. He wants to major pre-med. He has a cool name. He has potential to be a really, really special player.
Jarvis Jones, LB, 4-STAR
A mean hitter that doesn't take any wasted steps before blowing up his opponent. Impressive.
Jawanza Starling, DB, 4-STAR
Another mean hitter. He is going to play baseball for SC too.
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