USC Football Camp: Day 9 Recap

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

USC had its not ninth practice of fall camp Tuesday, which concluded a little after 6 p.m. Instead of Howard Jones, USC mixed things up and practiced at Dedeaux Field, where the Trojan baseball team plays. Aside from the happenings on the field, one of today’s big stories revolved around Aug. 27, the date by which USC has to be at the 75-man scholarship limit. Per Ryan Abraham from Inside Troy, USC should be within that limit by then.

Also, members of the media snapped some quick pictures of a new statue outside of the John McKay center: A Sword in the Stone-type tribute to Troy:

Here’s the rundown of what happened in Tuesday’s practice:

Injury Report:

• OT Aundrey Walker is still out, dealing with a wrist injury.
• USC’s starting three LBs, Hayes Pullard (ankle), Lamar Dawson (calf), and Dion Bailey (arm/wrist) again sat out practice, after missing Monday’s as well.
• Both Greg Townsend Jr. and J.R. Tavai, the two DEs battling to replace Devon Kennard, missed practice for unspecified reasons.
• WR Marqise Lee and CB Nickell Robey practiced, but wore yellow “no-contact” jerseys.

Quick Hits:

• WR De’von Flournoy got some catches, including a nice 25-yard one from Matt Barkley. Fellow WR George Farmer came back looking the best he has since the spring. “I’m 100-percent, I’m good,” Farmer said.
• Silas Redd is really getting into the swing of things and shined on Tuesday, showcasing his running, blocking, and receiving skills. He gave credit to RB Curtis McNeal for getting him up to speed and for being a “big brother.” “Life is pretty good right now,” he gushed.

Coaches’Quips:

• Kiffin said “there’s a big drop-off” from the starting LB unit to backup one. the starting unit is stacked with playmakers, and the second unit just isn’t there yet.
• USC’s offense had a big day with some deep passes. Kiffin noted that it was a rarity that the defense let so many big plays go over the top, as they had not done so up to this point in camp.
• There is a lopsided issue with the team, Kiffin also noted. Looking at depth chart, there is not much behind the starters at any position. However, Kiffin has made something out of nothing before, and can be trusted to do so again this season.

The Trojans head back out to the practice field for two-a-days on Wednesday, the first set for 9:20 a.m. and the second, 3:15 p.m.