USC Football Fall Camp: Day 16 Recap

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The USC Trojans returned to Dedeaux Field (Howard Jones is still being re-sodded) for a short afternoon practice on the day that thenew John McKay Center received its official dedication. For the second day in a row the offense played well, seeming to have bounced back from the Sunday scrimmage that served as a reminder that prep is certainly more important than hype. After practice, Lane Kiffin spoke on the new McKay Center, the scholarship situation, and the competition for QB 2.

Here are Tuesday afternoon’s higlights:

Injury Report:

• RT Kevin Graf returned to practice, after missing a few days due to an unspecified injury.
• DE Devon Kennard, had been wearing a sling on his arm since his torn pectoral muscle surgery, but he came to practice without it on Tuesday. He still will be out for the next few months, at least.

Quick Hits:

• As noted earlier, the Trojan offense had another strong practice to begin the third week of camp.
• Though Monday it was reported that the NCAA would announce whether USC signee WR Darreus Rogers would be academically cleared, no word has come yet.
• TB Buck Allen had two of his best practices on Monday and Tuesday
• QB Matt Barkley and Robert Woods connected on some impressive plays, indicating that they are back in sync after struggling on Sunday.

OT Zach Banner discussed his options for the 2012 season, and said he has no definitive plans regarding playing vs redshirting. The 6-9, 330-pound freshman said he can play both sides, but is working on RT now.

• DE Leonard Williams told the medi after practice that initially he wasn’t excited to move to DT but now realizes he is getting bigger and is OK with it. Willians says he is 6-5, 280 pounds.

Coaches’ Quips:

• At the outset of Fall Camp Coach Kiffin said he wanted to have name his backup quarterback situation worked out by the beginning of the season. Today however, Kiffin now says he could see both Cody Kessler and Max Wittek getting reps this season.
• Kiffin also spoke positively about the energy at practice today, noting that the team was at a high level throughout all three phases of the session.
• In regards to the new John McKay center, Kiffin observed that it undoubtedly make a big difference in recruiting. The biggest selling point so far? The players’ lounge; recruits are loving it. (Here’s a link to an extensive photo gallery of the McKay Center)
• One of the question marks surrounding the transfer of Silas Redd was where his scholarship would come from with USC being at the limit of 75 guys before he even joined the team. On Tuesday, Kiffin admitted that some of the three former walk-ons have had their scholarships taken away, though he would not specify who. However, it is likely that all three of these guys will be back on scholarship by next week, and if there is room, P Kyle Negrete will be the next walk-on to earn on.

Trojan Football Camp resumes Wednesday with practice at 3:15. This is USC’s last week of camp before school starts on Aug. 27.