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...
Matt Cassel (QB, New England) isn't getting sacked as much, and that means he can get his job done. He's doing so well, some are considering him as the Pat's MVP. On Sunday he threw 23-of-34 for 234 yards. On the ground, he picked up 22 yards on 9 carries, as well as a touchdown. He fumbled once. New... more »
Anybody catch the guy wearing a Rey Maualuga jersey in the first row by the third base dugout at the MLB All Star game? Football Dennis Dodd wrapped up his series of position coach evaluations by naming Pete Carroll top head coach in the land. [CBS Sports] The Matt Barkley hype is up to another unprecedented level. USC's future... more »
Football Thomas Williams is learning what life is like as an NFL rookie. [Times-Union] Recruit #12: USC signs 4-star wide receiver out of South Carolina. [SC Playbook] USC is a popular bet to win the national championship. [MR. SEC, h/t Da Wiz] Somebody's taking a really, really early look at USC-Virginia. [RF365] Oregon State could be the big sleeper... more »
A great weekend for the USC program cemented just how amazing the Trojans' 2003 recruiting class was. Sedrick Ellis, Sam Baker and Lawrence Jackson are the three latest members of USC's 2003 class, which I think should go down as the best recruiting class in modern college football history (i.e. when teams couldn't sign as many recruits as they want), to be drafted in the first round, joining Reggie Bush from two years ago. As of now, the Trojans have an astounding nine first-day draft picks from that class: Baker, Bush, Ellis, Jackson, Ryan Kalil, Steve Smith, Terrell Thomas, LenDale White and Eric Wright. (There also could be a 10th coming in 2009 when DT Fili Moala comes through.) Other USC '03s that have been drafted are John David Booty, Will Poole, Chauncey Washington and Thomas Williams.
This Year: USC had another huge draft weekend with ten players getting selected overall -- the most of any school. They also led the way with four first round picks. Historical Perspective: USC has sent 446 players to the League via the draft. 42 have been picked in the 7 years since Pete Carroll arrived, including 11 in the... more »
Draft footage of USC first-rounders: Ellis, Rivers, Baker and Jackson
USC had a phenomenal draft. Nearly 13% of picks drafted in the first round were USC Trojans. USC owned 11% of picks through the end of the second round. USC had 10 draft picks overall, the most out of any school, including four in the first round (also the most out of any school). Here's the draft breakdown by Trojan player.
Sedrick Ellis - 1st round, 7th pick to the New Orleans, Saints. Keith Rivers - 1st round, 9th pick, to the Cincinnati Bengals. Sam Baker - 1st round, 21st pick - to the Atlanta Falcons Lawrence Jackson - 1st round, 28th pick - Seattle Seahawks
Chilo Rachal - 2nd round, 8th pick - San Francisco, 49ers Fred Davis - 2nd round, 17th pick - to the Washington Redskins Terrell Thomas - New York Giants - 2nd round, 32nd pick (63rd overall)
Thomas Williams carries an important message: Inspiration and determination can get you anywhere.
The 2007 Jacksonville Jaguars were a well-rounded playoff team, led by a David Garrard who completed 64% of his passes for and 18 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions. Their eventual ’07 demise came by way of a second-half defensive collapse to the undefeated New England Patriots in the second round of the playoffs. It makes sense then, that the Jaguars spent their first four picks on quality defensive and special teams players.
That includes USC outside linebacker Thomas Williams, with their 5th round, #22 selection. Williams struggled to get on the field at USC, mainly due to the Trojans ridiculous depth at his position. When a space came up on special teams, Williams jumped head first into the task. His speed, tackling and blocking ability added to his special teams versatility. Williams ended up winning a part of the USC 2007 Co-Special Teams Player of the Year Award, which is likely what landed him the Jaguars' job. In addition to the Special Teams accolade, Williams was a All-Pac-10 Honorable mention pick and also landed USC’s Most Inspirational Player Award.
Gotta love our defense, here's the review: Positive - Defensive Pressure The defense brought the pressure and Sean Canfield ended up being sacked 9 times. The game-plan was an easy call to make considering the questionable status of OSU's star all-purpose back, Yvenson Bernard, and the immobility and poor decision-making skills of Sean Canfield, but that doesn't take away... more »
Here's the update: John David Booty - Threw with a glove today and looked better than expected. Could possibly play this Saturday but will likely play a back-up role. Rey Maualuga - Listed as doubtful due to hip pointer. Thomas Williams would start in place of Rey. Brian Cushing - Coaches are playing it cautious in bringing Cush back... more »
Mark Saxon, OC Register The pain was obvious, but Thomas Williams didn’t know just how costly a sprained knee cap would be when he had to leave the 2005 Cal game. He had to watch the final three games, including the Rose Bowl, from the sideline that year, then he watched two younger linebackers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing, move... more »
Courtesy of USC SID Tim Tessalone, here are Thursday's post-practice Pete Carroll quotes including the word that today is the day USC learns about the fate of freshman Broderick Green and the process of getting him through the NCAA Clearinghouse. "We're still waiting on Broderick Green. We received word that we will find out Friday afternoon. It's done from... more »
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