We Talkin’ Bout Practice

Yesterday, the Trojans had their second practice of the training camp, as the season opener is just 3 weeks from this Saturday. I got a chance to attend practice yesterday, which was unfortunately postponed until 4:30, and got a chance to watch some of the new starters.

The USC coaching staff made their first official position change yesterday, as they moved linebacker Clay Matthews to defensive end. Matthews was only expected to play defensive end in nickel and 3-4 sets, but he will move to defensive end full-time and rotate with Everson Griffen. Griffen, who had an impressive freshman season, is more of a pass rusher and has stuggled against the run so they may use him in passing situations and Matthews on first or second down…

Although Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said that they wanted to see some more competition at quarterback, Mitch Mustain even realizes that he is the number two guy right now. When asked about unseating Mark Sanchez as the starter, Mustain told Scott Wolf, “I feel like it might be a stretch in the next two weeks. I don’t see Mark turning it over. But it’s a long season.”…

Mustain certainly won’t unseat anybody, as the sophomore quarterback had his fair share of mistakes during practice. Mustain, who called them mental mistakes, threw a couple of interceptions during scrimmages and underthrew several of the receivers. Sanchez and Aaron Corp also looked a little shaky, as they both had a little too many arrant passes…

If you didn’t already know, Joe McKnight is really, really fast. One one particular play during their scrimmage, McKnight caught a short pass in the left flat, gave a quick head-and-shoulders fake and burst upfield. It was certainly an impressive move, considering the fact that he twisted his ankle earlier this week…

Wide receiver Jordan Cameron, a transfer from Ventura College, had an impressive performance with several acrobatic catches…

Wideout Vidal Hazelton looked quite impressive during the second day of practice. Hazelton is primarily known for his speed, but he has also bulked up and is strong enough to push many of the defensive backs out of the way…

With Jeff Byers out, Alex Parsons took his vacant spot at guard with the first team offense…

I had a chance to talk to USC basketball recruit Leonard Washington, who tore a liagement in his ankle. Washington said he will be ready when practice starts in October and should be on the court in about two weeks. The Louisiana native said that he was enjoying the Southern California lifestyle. What a surprise! Hot muggy, himid Louisiana, or the sunny city of Los Angeles…

Even Frank McCourt was in attendence. I wouldn’t want to be at the Dodgers game either.