Practice leaves a good taste for Trojans

Gary Klein Los Angeles Times

After spending several days consuming holiday meals and watching other teams play in bowl games, USC players were eager to get back to practice for Thursday's Rose Bowl game against Penn State.

"All you see is that Rose Bowl commercial," quarterback Mark Sanchez said Friday. "That's pretty cool, so I'm glad it's finally here."

As a helicopter hovered low over USC's practice fields in an attempt to dry the grass from recent rains, the Trojans went through a one-hour non-contact workout on the artificial turf at the campus track stadium.

"We're shaking off a little rust from all those Christmas dinners," Sanchez said. "Guys are coming back after eating quite a bit and sitting around a little bit, but we have our legs back."

Their mind-set too, Coach Pete Carroll said.

"This is the finish time," he said. "You can just tell that everybody was pumped up in the meetings."

Since USC is playing in the Rose Bowl for the fourth consecutive season, the Trojans are participating in the same pre-bowl events, including Friday's post-practice trip to Disneyland, a dinner Sunday at Lawry's in Beverly Hills and an evening at a comedy club.

Now that the game is finally within sight, several players said they were happy about the routine.

"I'm not bored," senior linebacker Rey Maualuga said. "I'm looking forward to everything that's going to be thrown our way. We know what to expect, so we're not overly anxious of what's going to happen next."

Sanchez also seemed to appreciate the comfort of familiarity.

"I think I've got the same [hotel] room of a couple years ago, so that's perfect for me," he said.

On the mend

Tailback Stafon Johnson returned to practice after sitting out the last workout before the break because of a kneecap injury.

Johnson had no problems running straight ahead and said that by the end of the practice week, "I'll be able to go full speed and go all the way and get my cuts back and all that stuff. It's sore, but I can play through it."

Receiver Damian Williams, who suffered a shoulder injury against UCLA on Dec. 6, practiced but doctors have not cleared him for contact. Williams, the Trojans' leading receiver, does not expect to be cleared until game time.

"You know you're going to get hit," he said. "You just have to deal with it."

Safety Kevin Ellison did not practice because of a knee injury he aggravated against UCLA. Carroll said the Trojans would prepare with Will Harris as the starter.

Fullback Stanley Havili did not attend practice because of a flight delay, Carroll said.

Curiosity seeker

Juniorcornerback Kevin Thomas, tied for the team lead with three interceptions, was among the USC players who requested a draft-round projection from the NFL.

"Just curiosity," Thomas said. "I really want to know -- not for anything in particular like me leaving this year. I'm going to come back.

"I just want to know for my personal reasons where I rank right now. . . . If you're serious about going to the NFL, which I am, it's always good to know, especially heading into your final year."

Players have until Jan. 15 to declare for the draft.

Bradford update

Tailback Allen Bradford took part in stretching drills and said he was ahead of schedule in his recovery from hip surgery.

"I already have full range of motion," said Bradford, who will not participate in spring practice. "It's better than before I had surgery."

Bradford had expressed frustration about his role after USC's loss to Oregon State on Sept. 25, the last game he played in before surgery.

Asked Friday if he was considering transferring, Bradford said, "I'm not thinking about transferring. I'm just worried about getting back."

Quick kicks

Junior Thomas Herring was on crutches and his left foot was in a protective boot after practice. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound Herring said coaches switched him from offensive line to tight end and he hurt his Achilles' tendon. "I was running a route and I heard it pop." . . . USC's practice schedule: Today at 1:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1:30; Monday, 1:30; Tuesday, 2; Wednesday, 4:15 (closed).

Rey Maualuga gets emotional

Michael Lev OCRegister.com

USC completed its penultimate practice week before the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl, a bittersweet occasion for Trojans middle linebacker Rey Maualuga.

The senior All-American knows his college days are almost over. Although a lucrative NFL career awaits, it won’t be the same.

“I’m going day by day here at practice, enjoying every bit of it, enjoying the fans, enjoying being here with my teammates,” Maualuga said Monday, the words “MERRY” and “XMAS” etched into his eye black.

“It’s my last week next week. It’s going to be hard. Emotions are going to come out. I’m just going to give it everything I’ve got and make sure I don’t have any regrets when I leave here.”

Maualuga has done a lot of growing up since arriving at USC in 2005. He endured the death of his father and matured on and off the field. Coach Pete Carroll said this season has been Maualuga’s “big jump year” in terms of mastering his position.

“Rey was always a uniquely special physical guy,” Carroll said. “He had the speed and size and all that from the day he stepped on campus. But we’ve watched him grow and come to love the position that he plays and understand it in a whole different fashion than he did.

“As he finishes up a really good career, he leaves here a great football player. I don’t think there’s anything to keep him from being as good as a linebacker can get.”

Kneecap injury keeps USC's Stafon Johnson out of practice

Gary Klein Los Angeles Times

USC tailback Stafon Johnson did not practice Monday because of a kneecap injury, but the junior said he would play in the Rose Bowl against Penn State on Jan 1.

Johnson was hurt Sunday when he was hit after catching a pass. Johnson said it felt like something in his right knee "went out and then came back in," but he was able to walk to the sideline and later to the locker room without assistance.

Coach Pete Carroll said X-rays revealed no major damage.

"At first I was very scared because I didn't know what was going on," said Johnson, who has a team-high 123 carries for 642 yards and nine touchdowns. "But no matter what it was, it wasn't going to keep me out of the game."

Johnson was dressed in sweats as the Trojans went through their final workout before a three-day holiday break.

The Trojans played a spirited mock game, first practicing special teams transitions before scrimmaging.

Reserves took most of the repetitions, with quarterback Garrett Green tossing two touchdown passes.

Not sentimental

Steve Sarkisian already has the job as Washington's new head coach, but USC's offensive coordinator acknowledged that he could continue to build his resume and head to Seattle on a high note if the offense plays well against Penn State.

"It can't hurt, that's for sure," Sarkisian said. "We need to go win the game -- that's the most important thing."

Sarkisian is not getting misty as his tenure with the Trojans winds down. Sarkisian, the Oakland Raiders' quarterbacks coach in 2004, has spent seven of the last eight years with the Trojans.

"I'm not that sentimental of a guy -- I'm pretty business oriented," he said. "I'm going to try and enjoy these few days we have off and then it's going to be a business-type attitude the last week ."

Sarkisian reiterated that his mind would be on the Trojans and not what awaits in Seattle.

"I really want us to go out and play well," he said. "I'll go up on [Jan. 3] and go to work."

Quick kicks

Receiver Damian Williams (shoulder) was held out of practice to prevent him from negating progress made this week, Carroll said. Williams is expected to practice when the Trojans return and play in the Rose Bowl. . . . Fullback Stanley Havili (ankle) remained sidelined. His status for the Rose Bowl is uncertain.

Marc Tyler is up from the depths at USC

Gary Klein Los Angeles Times

USC tailback Marc Tyler spent the 2007 season at No. 10 on a 10-man depth chart.

The redshirt freshman opened this season sixth in a six-deep position group.

By the 2009 opener, he could conceivably be No. 2.

Junior Stafon Johnson and third-year sophomore C.J. Gable have applied for evaluations from the NFL regarding their draft status. If they turn pro, Tyler, Joe McKnight and Allen Bradford would be the only returning tailbacks.

"I think they both can leave right now and be good in the league," Tyler said of Johnson and Gable after Sunday's practice. "I joke with both of them, telling them they should be going to the draft."

Tyler's role for the Rose Bowl game against Penn State looked as though it might become larger on Saturday after Johnson appeared to injure his right knee when he was hit after catching a pass. Johnson stayed on the ground for several moments, then got to his feet and spent the rest of the workout on the trainer's table.

Afterward, Johnson walked to the locker room and said his knee "went out and then came back in." He added that he would return today when the Trojans play a mock game in their final practice before Christmas.

"I'm a warrior," he said. "I'm staying in there."

But will he stay at USC?

Tyler said he thought both Johnson and Gable would return to the Trojans.

Regardless, the former Westlake Village Oaks Christian High star could have a larger role in 2009 with Broderick Green having transferred to Arkansas and Bradford trying to come back from hip surgery.

Tyler, the son of former NFL running back Wendell Tyler, has rushed for 198 yards and a touchdown in 36 carries. He has impressed during bowl preparation workouts and says he has been healthy for an extended time for the first time since arriving at USC.

Tyler redshirted last season while recovering from a broken leg suffered during his senior season at Oaks Christian. He said he has been buoyed by phone calls from some of his father's teammates, including former San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig and quarterback Joe Montana.

"They're like, 'Anything can happen in football. Guys can leave and guys can get hurt. Stay at 'SC and wait it out and things are going to happen for you.' "

Moving on

The migration to join new Washington Coach Steve Sarkisian in Seattle continues.

Dennis Slutak, USC's director of football operations for the last four years, said he has accepted an offer to join Sarkisian's staff as assistant athletic director for football operations.

Slutak, 36, is the fifth current or former USC staff member moving to Washington.

Assistant strength coach Ivan Lewis was hired as strength and conditioning coach for the Huskies and fellow assistant CharrGahagan will be a member of his staff. Jared Blank, director of player personnel, will have similar responsibilities at Washington. Former graduate assistant Demetrice Martin was hired to coach defensive backs.

Quick kicks

USC practices today at 11 a.m. and then will be off until Friday. . . . Coach Pete Carroll said he would not name a quarterbacks coach until after the Rose Bowl. Carl Smith is expected to get the job. . . . Cornerback Kevin Thomas did not practice because of a sore hamstring, Carroll said.

Hall Clears the Rumors

Brian Matthews WeAreSC.com

St. Bonaventure High School (CA.) defensive back Patrick Hall has been at the source of rumors regarding his supposed interest and UCLA and his interest in USC.
Hall, who is a multi-talented athlete from the State Champion St. Bonaventure Seraphs, downplayed the thought of even giving the cross-town rival a look.

According to Hall, the speculation of him possibly de-committing from the Trojans in favor of UCLA is far from the truth.

"That's not happening at all!," proclaimed Hall when he heard the rumors of a possible commitment elsewhere.

With USC losing most of the members of the secondary next year, Hall understands there is a need and is excited to graduate and move on.

"I'm 100% solid with my commitment," he said Saturday evening. "It's my childhood team and now that I have a chance to play there I'm taking it seriously."

A vital piece to the class of 2009, Hall, who is ranked as one of the top players nationally and within the state of California.

The safety/running back offered his reasons for choosing USC and remaining firm on his commitment.

“I’m pumped,” said Hall of his future at USC. “It’s (USC) been my time since I was a little kid. My family loves them and it’s close to home.”

As he wore eye-black that spelled out U-S-C, Hall spoke on his expectations as a freshman for the Trojans.

“I’m just going to go in there (USC) and ball,” he said looking ahead as his high school career finished up.

The St. Bonaventure Seraphs defeated Cardinal Newman in the Division III State Championship Game Saturday afternoon in front of a large crowd at the Home Depot Center in Carson (CA.).

Hall scored early in the game with a 53 yard touchdown run that began the scoring onslaught for the Ventura team, showing off his blazing speed that has made him such a valuable recruit on the national scene.

After the game, Hall was all smiles as he is now a two-time state champion.

“It felt real good,” said an exhausted Hall following his team’s victory. “We had to prove that we were the better team even without Darrell Scott. We came out, practiced hard everyday of the season and now we won (the state championship).”

Trojans offensive line will have holes to fill

Scott Wolf LA Daily News

USC will probably need to sign several offensive line recruits in February because center Michael Reardon is moving to tight end and freshman Matt Meyer's career could be over because of recurring foot injuries.

The Trojans also are not going to re-sign offensive guard Daniel Campbell, who was unable to meet NCAA Clearinghouse requirements in August and went to a prep school.

"We lose four guys after next season so we'll be down to the young guys," offensive line coach Pat Ruel said Saturday.

The Trojans will lose left guard Jeff Byers, left tackle Charles Brown, right guard Alex Parsons and right tackle Nick Howell after the 2009 season.

So far, USC has received a verbal commitment from only one lineman, Kevin Graf of Agoura.

Who calls plays?

New offensive coordinator John Morton said there's been no discussion on whether he or expected quarterbacks coach Carl Smith would call plays next season.

"(Coach Pete Carroll) said we would talk about it when the time comes," Morton said. "Yeah, I would like to do it but I want to do what is best for the team."

Morton said he and Smith are "just getting to know each other."

Carroll said Saturday he is close to hiring Smith.

"Carl's sitting with us (in meetings) and there are just some things we have to work out," Carroll said.

Smith has called plays from the sidelines with the NewOrleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL.

Playmaker

Freshman safety Drew McAllister only played during mop-up situations this season, but he still intercepted three passes, which tied him for first with cornerback Kevin Thomas.

"When I first came here, I never thought I would get three picks or anything," McAllister said. "I didn't even know if I would play."

He is projected to replace All-American Taylor Mays at free safety if Mays departs for the NFL.

Mays did not intercept a pass this season.

McAllister said he played cornerback for only one season in high school and intercepted just one pass.

But in scrimmages and games this season, he demonstrated a knack for getting the ball. He was the only USC player to intercept UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft two weeks ago.

Senior cornerback Josh Pinkard said Saturday there is a 50-50 chance he will return for his final season. Pinkard applied for a sixth year with the NCAA but is expected to turn pro.

Havili hobbled

Fullback Stanley Havili remains bothered by a sprained ankle.

"He's not moving very well," Carroll said. "Other than that, we're in good shape."

Two-way kicker

New commit Jake Harfman from Mt. San Antonio College of Walnut was recruited as a placekicker, but can also punt.

That is significant because USC needs a replacement for senior punter Greg Woidneck.

Harfman averaged 40 yards per punt at Mt. SAC. He made 20 of 26 field goals with a long of 56 yards.

Hazelton's decision to transfer from USC came after argument

Scott Wolf LA Daily News

When former USC wide receiver Vidal Hazelton asked for his official release, it occurred just a couple days after a pair of assistant coaches engaged in an argument about Hazelton during halftime of the Notre Dame game.

Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, who is now Washington's head coach, and wide receivers coach John Morton got into argument just before the start of the third quarter regarding Hazelton, who played sparingly against the Irish.

Sources said Morton was frustrated with Hazelton. But Sarkisian said it was just a heat-of-moment situation and was not unusual for coaches to get emotional during a game.

"Everyone is on steroids during a game," Sarkisian said. "It was just football stuff. It happens all the time."

Hazelton officially transferred two days after the game. He could not be reached for comment.

Verbal commitment

USC received a commitment from fullback/linebacker Simione Vehikite of Kapolei High School in Hawaii.

Should he stay or should he go?

Quarterback Mark Sanchez's future will be a talking point for at least the next three weeks and he answered more questions Thursday about whether he will turn pro.

Sanchez said the decisions of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford and Texas quarterback Colt McCoy will influence his decision.

"Obviously it has to factor in," Sanchez said. "You want to know who is coming out just like I'd also want to know a year from now. I don't think it will totally make or break my decision."

Sarkisian said Sanchez needs to look at his competition.

"Every year is different. It's about the needs, the wants (of NFL teams)," Sarkisian said. "Some guys may not be ready but it's the right time. He needs to ask himself, 'Am I ready for the situation or am I not?'

"He needs to decide."

Sanchez said he did not want to ponder his future until after the Rose Bowl.

"I'm totally focused on this game and planning on coming back," Sanchez said. "That's what I'm dealing with right now. I don't want to compromise the team or jeopardize anything we're doing. It's important for me to focus on this team."

Smith on campus

Former quarterbacks coach Carl Smith was at USC on Thursday but USC coach Pete Carroll said he did not hire him yet to become the quarterbacks coach.

Staff update

Carroll promoted administrative assistant Justin Mesa to offensive graduate assistant for next season. Mesa will help coach the wide receivers. He was offered a graduate assistant position at Washington.

USC's director of football operations, Dennis Slutak, is expected to accept a similar job at Washington by the weekend.
Ellison rests

Safety Kevin Ellison did not practice because his knee remains sore from playing in the UCLA game.

"The game took its toll," Carroll said. "We won't force him back."

Wide receiver Damian Williams (separated shoulder) is expected to return to practice either Sunday or Monday.

"I do not want to sit out a Rose Bowl again," Williams said.

Penn State preview

Carroll said there is a misconception that Penn State runs a spread-option offense.

"It's a facet of the offense," Carroll said. "(But) they're very traditional. They do some shotgun but can't run the spread like teams committed to it. They are more of a traditional I-formation team. They move (wide receiver) Derrick Williams all over the field."

The Nittany Lions are scheduled to arrive in Southern California on Saturday. Practices are expected to be closed to the public.

USC's Rose Bowl week schedule set

DAN WEBER PE.com

LOS ANGELES - As Dennis Slutak, USC's fourth-year football operations director, weighs an offer from Steve Sarkisian to join him at Washington in a job that would expand his current role, maybe it's a good time for the Trojans to have an easy and routine postseason.

"No airplane trips or rental cars," said Slutak, 36, who was a special teams coach for a dozen seasons, including two as a graduate assistant at USC.

For the Trojans, heading to their fourth straight Rose Bowl, the script for this week is pretty much set. Start with a trip to Disneyland and the ESPN Zone the day after Christmas, then it's a night at Lawry's Prime Rib for the Beef Bowl and a trip to the Improv comedy club in Hollywood, which replaced bowling two years ago.

Another change this season is that all USC practices will be on campus, after two years of practicing at Home Depot Center, where Penn State will work out starting Friday.

Smith's a regular at practices

Carl Smith may not exactly be a fixture at practices yet, but the once and future USC quarterbacks coach is more than just dropping by because he was in the neighborhood.

In his USC hat and gray Trojans sweatshirt, Smith is near the action most days. Not coaching, since Sarkisian still works with the players. But there he was on the sidelines, chatting up Chris Corp, father of redshirt freshman quarterback Aaron Corp.

"It looks good," Carroll said when asked about the possibility of having the former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator come work with both the quarterbacks and new offensive coordinator John Morton, whose background is as a receivers coach.

"If we can get things worked out, it'll be great," Carroll said.

Fun Finish at practice

With Corp and Mitch Mustain alternating at quarterback and the officials joining in the fun, USC's offense and defense went at it on the goal line to end Saturday's workout in as spirited and fun-filled a finish to practice as USC has had all season.

Joe McKnight both caught and threw a touchdown pass to Corp as the coaches and cheering players pulled out all the stops, and the officials pulled out all the flags -- all in fun.

USC profile: Kyle Moore

PE.com

This is the first of a series of daily profiles of each of the 11 starters on USC's top-ranked defense.

It's easy to get a smile and easier to get a quote from the senior from Georgia, who's the go-to guy for reporters. He's also the guy teammates look to when they want to know if it's time to start dancing, and more often than not the Trojan who will be waving his arms and signaling to the Coliseum crowd that it's time to make some noise.

"I didn't know I was the go-to guy," said Moore, who wears No. 84 and, at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, looks a bit like a cross between a defensive lineman and a power forward.

If he didn't know of his role before, it was certified at last week's football awards banquet when he was named USC's "Most Inspirational Player."

So how does he carry that role on through to the Rose Bowl against Penn State?

"Just keep doing what we've been doing," said Moore, who's started all 12 games and has 28 tackles, including 9 ½ for losses and five sacks.

His first outing against a Big Ten team, Ohio State, went pretty well with eight tackles (two for losses) and a fumble recovery.

"But they beat Ohio State and look like they're quicker on the offensive line; real feisty," Moore said of the Nittany Lions.

Kindred spirits.

DAN WEBER

Carl Smith back within the Trojans' grasp

Gary Klein Los Angeles Times


USC Coach Pete Carroll on Saturday all but made official what has been evident since offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian became head coach at Washington:

Carl Smith appears set to rejoin the Trojans staff as quarterbacks coach.

Smith, who held the same position in 2004, is observing practices this week and has been a presence around the program since the Notre Dame game last month. For the last two days, Smith has worn a USC sweat shirt and cap.

Asked if Smith would officially be in place by the end of the weekend, Carroll said, "Carl's here and sitting with us and working with us -- it looks good. We've got some stuff we've got to work out. If we can get that thing all ironed out, I'll be really happy about that."

Sarkisian will remain with the Trojans and call plays in the Rose Bowl against Penn State.

Receivers coach John Morton will succeed Sarkisian as offensive coordinator, but Carroll has not yet determined who will call plays next season.

Morton has said he would remain in the coaching booth in the press box. Smith, the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator in 2005 and 2006, would be on the field.

Earlier this week, Smith declined to comment about the possibility of rejoining the staff, saying only "I love watching this team practice."

Next generation

With the entire starting linebacker corps moving on after the Rose Bowl, younger players have taken a preponderance of first-team snaps throughout early bowl practices.

Redshirt freshman Chris Galippo has manned the middle, flanked by sophomores Michael Morgan and Malcolm Smith.

The trio is expected to step in next season for Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava.

"It's good for me, Mike and Malcolm getting used to playing next to each other," said Galippo, who sat out the first three games this season while recovering from back surgery.

"I was so far behind when I first started, but now I think I've pretty much caught up."

Galippo intends to increase his strength and fitness before spring practice as he prepares to step in for Maualuga, an All-American who was the defensive most valuable player in the 2008 Rose Bowl.

Morgan and Smith also are expected to be bigger and stronger.

"We're going to be so young [next season] it will take us a few games, but I think once we get rolling we can be some pretty scary dudes," Galippo said.

The three linebackers will be part of a defense that could have eight or nine new starters.

"It's going to be a lot of new faces," Galippo said. "SC fans can just look forward to a bunch of different guys that play with different styles."

Quick kicks

Carroll, speaking of the balance in Penn State's offense, said the Trojans have played against strong skill-position players on other teams, "but never a collection of guys this season of all of them together. They're loaded in the right spots.". . . . Former USC graduate assistant Demetrice Martin, who was hired by Sarkisian to coach defensive backs at Washington, attended practice. . . . The Trojans practice today and Monday at 1 p.m. and 11 a.m. on Tuesday before breaking for Christmas.

Gable might be next USC back to bolt

ADAM MAYA OCRegister.com

LOS ANGELES – Running back C.J. Gable said he is considering leaving USC at the end of the season. Not for another school … another league.

“I don't know if I'll go (to the NFL) or not,” said Gable, who applied for an early draft evaluation. “I've been thinking. I'm going to see how it is with the evaluation.”

Per Coach Pete Carroll's request, several USC underclassmen applied for an evaluation, which is arranged by NFL personnel directors and the league's two scouting organizations.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello described it as a “realistic estimate of a player's potential to be selected … based on his football ability.”

The evaluation does not weigh other factors that might affect a player's draft status, such as injuries and strength of that year's class.

Gable, a redshirt sophomore, is eligible to go pro because he has been out of high school for three seasons. He said he has no interest in transferring but he would think about leaving for the NFL even with a low assessment.

He is second on the Trojans in carries and has rushed for 604 yards, slightly less than teammates Joe McKnight and Stafon Johnson. But Gable has expressed discontent with his role throughout the season, as he has rarely stayed on the field for consecutive plays.

Two weeks ago, Gable vented his frustration after he was benched for the entire first half against UCLA, after he fumbled on USC's first play from scrimmage. He finished with three carries for 3 yards.

He said he is no longer upset and that he and coaches had not even addressed his benching or postgame comments.

“I'm not even going to deal with it,” Gable said. “If they're going to put me in they'll put me in. I'm going to practice how I always practice.”

Gable has received his usual amount of work in practice this past week as USC prepares to play Penn State in the Rose Bowl. He said a better indicator will be how involved he is in the game plan, which has not been completed.

“It doesn't matter how many reps you get in practice,” said Gable, adding his involvement was much greater in the game plan and practice leading up to the UCLA game than it was in it. “I'm just waiting for the game to see if they're going to put me in. It's up to them.”

NOTES

Carroll said former USC quarterbacks coach Carl Smithcould be hired at the same post this weekend. “Carl's here working with us. It looks good,” Carroll said. “We just got some stuff we got to work out. If we can get that ironed out I'll be real happy.” …

Receiver Damian Williams(shoulder) increased his load Saturday but said he didn't expect to practice with pads until USC returns from Christmas break on Friday. “I've been getting treatment two or three times a day,” he said. “The soreness is there but it's kind of manageable.” …

Fullback Stanley Havili(ankle) was a limited participant Saturday. Safety Kevin Ellisonand tight end Blake Aylesremained out because of knee injuries.