USC & Pac-10 Preview [Archive] - SpursTalk.com Forums

degenerate_gambler

08-18-2006, 10:12 AM

Trojan dude....thought I'd help you out some. That preview of SoCal was as generic as they come. Here's a little more in-depth look at them...

Team preview: USC

Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook

Editor's Note: ESPN Insider has teamed with Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook to provide a comprehensive look at all 119 Division I-A teams. To order the complete 2006 edition of Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook, visit www.blueribbonyearbook.com or call 1-866-805-BALL (2255).

(All information as of July 1, 2006)
USC Trojans
LOCATION Los Angeles, Calif.
CONFERENCE Pac-10
LAST SEASON 12-1 (.923)
CONFERENCE RECORD 8-0 (1st)
OFF. STARTERS RETURNING 4
DEF. STARTERS RETURNING 6
NICKNAME Trojans
COLORS Cardinal & Gold
HOME FIELD L.A. Memorial Coliseum (92,000)
COACH Pete Carroll (Pacific '73)
RECORD AT SCHOOL 54-10 (5 years)
CAREER RECORD 54-10 (5 years)
ASSISTANTS • Steve Sarkisian (BYU '97),
Assistant Head Coach/Quarterbacks
• Lane Kiffin (Fresno State '89),
Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers
• Nick Holt (Pacific '86),
Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line
• Sam Anno (USC '87),
Special Teams
• Brennan Carroll (Pittsburgh '01),
Tight Ends
• Al Everest (SMU '72),
Special Teams Coordinator
• Todd McNair (Temple '88),
Running Backs
• Ken Norton Jr. (UCLA '98),
Linebackers
• Pat Ruel (Miami '72),
Offensive Line
• Rocky Seto (USC '99),
Secondary
• David Watson (Western Illinois '01),
Defensive Line

TEAM WINS (last five yrs.) 6-11-12-13-12
FINAL RANK (last five yrs.) 37-5-2-1-2
2005 FINISH Lost to Texas in Rose Bowl.
2006 Schedule | 2005 Results | 2005 Statistics

COACH AND PROGRAM

Mark Twain, at least to our knowledge, wasn't a Trojans fan. What we do know, though, is that his famous quote, "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated," could certainly be applied -- with a slight modification inserting "demise" for "death" -- to USC's football team in 2006. Inside the Pac-10

Take an Inside look at the Pac-10 with Blue Ribbon's 2006 team reports:

Arizona Wildcats

Arizona State Sun Devils

California Bears

Oregon Ducks

Oregon State Beavers

Stanford Cardinal

UCLA Bruins

USC Trojans

Washington Huskies

Washington State Cougars

When last seen on a football field, USC, like the majority of us, was watching Vince Young run around celebrating touchdowns. Well, the Trojans weren't watching in quite the same manner as the rest of us -- they were doing their best to keep Young from going crazy. But their efforts fell short and in the process, one of the more remarkable runs in collegiate football history ended. The Rose Bowl/BCS Championship Game loss to Texas, 41-38, snapped the Trojans' 34-game winning streak that dated back to 2003 and concluded their season at 12-1.
It's worth pausing and reflecting upon what USC accomplished the last four seasons while consistently playing one of the toughest schedules in the country:

• Four Pac-10 titles.
• Four BCS bowl appearances, including three wins.
• An all-time record 33 consecutive weeks atop the Associated Press rankings.
• Two national championships, in 2003 and 2004.
• A school-record 52 straight games scoring at least 20 points.
• Three Heisman Trophy winners and 19 first-team All-Americans.
• Since losing to Washington State, 30-27, in overtime on Oct. 5, 2002, USC has won 45-of-47 games.

Some are forecasting the magical ride to take a minor detour this season. Nothing major -- most preseason polls have USC in the Top 10, and the majority have them barely edging Cal for another Pac-10 title. No one is talking back to BC (Before Carroll) when the program was, well, a mess. Behind four straight consensus top three-ranked recruiting classes, the Trojans have a collection of talent unmatched in the country.
However, this was supposed to be a sort of transition year, for lack of a better term -- the plan going back to a few weeks after USC just crushed Oklahoma, 55-19, in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 4, 2005 and in the process secured its second straight national title.
Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart was turning pro, all but a lock to be selected No. 1 overall by the San Francisco 49ers; highly-touted John David Booty would take his place; the offense would barely fly off course with Reggie Bush and a host of future NFL players in tow. And come 2006, despite the probable loss of Bush, but with the likes of LenDale White at tailback and arguably the best offensive line in recent college football history, USC was all but a lock for preseason No. 1.
Well, the plan hit a few snags. Bush blew up and blew out to the NFL. White impressed enough to follow him to the next level. And then two All-Pac-10 offensive linemen, Winston Justice and Fred Matua, decided to join them in declaring early, and that's where the Trojans are entering fall camp.
More specifically, try this: little experience at quarterback, two glaring gaps in the line, a tailback who hasn't played since 2003, a host of stud recruits that haven't even stepped on campus yet but that will be expected to play this fall, open tryouts at kick and punt returner, a young defense and oh yeah, have we mentioned no Reggie Bush?
So is sixth-year coach Pete Carroll worried? He doesn't sound overly concerned.
"There's no denying we lost a lot of outstanding players from the 2005 team, especially on offense, but this is not an unfamiliar situation for us," Carroll said. "It has the feel of the 2003 season, when we lost Carson [Palmer] and Troy [Polamalu] and all those running backs. We regrouped and had a real nice season."
That nice season included a national title.
"That's the challenge each year in college football, how well you can replace good players," Carroll said. "We've shown that we're very capable of doing that. I don't see it being any different this season."
"No doubt, we'll come in a little unsure of our offense, but we have great confidence in our players and coaches on that side of the ball. We set some high standards last year and it'll be fun to go after them again this season."
That offense became the first in NCAA history with a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard rushers and a 1,000-yard receiver. Of those four players, though, only wide-out Dwayne Jarrett is back.
However, the program couldn't be in better shape outside of some off-field incidents during the offseason that really shouldn't affect the team. Carroll has spurned NFL interest and seems more than content with USC being the final stop of his coaching career.
"It's pretty clear that USC football is the place to be," Carroll said. "We expect it to be more of the same in 2006."

It's hard to disagree.

QUARTERBACKS

Few preseason competitions for a starting job in the country will be watched and followed with as much interest as who takes the snaps for USC this season. Hard to argue against it not being the most high-profile gig in college sports, at least the last five seasons between No. 1 overall NFL pick Carson Palmer and three-time All-American Matt Leinart, who book-ended the Trojans' great run with Heismans.
There was a time there, around mid-May, when it looked as though neither expected competitor, junior John David Booty (6-3, 195) and redshirt freshman Mark Sanchez (6-4, 215), would even be around in the fall.
Each had their own issues this spring, with Booty practicing just once before suffering severe back spasms that required surgery and Sanchez being suspended from the team on April 27 after sexual assault charges were filed against him.
While Booty was recovering from surgery quicker than expected and was already throwing in early June, this wasn't the first instance of back trouble. Booty experienced spasms during his redshirt freshman campaign of 2004. Carroll was aware of a pre-existing back condition before Booty even arrived at USC.
As for Sanchez, the 2004 consensus high school player of the year at Mission Viejo, Calif., the charges were dropped by Los Angeles County prosecutors on June 2 because of a lack of evidence, and he was reinstated to the team. Carroll said that Sanchez, 19, could face team-related discipline for underage drinking and using a fake ID on the night he was arrested.
USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin watched Sanchez throw three days after the charges were dropped and came away impressed.
"First off, we're excited to have Mark back and that behind us," Kiffin said. "That experience can help him moving forward. On the field, he looked great; he was really throwing the ball well."
"David has just now started throwing, but he'll be 100 percent come August and the first practice. It's a wide-open competition, the only reason John David is first on the depth chart is because they make us fill one out. That means nothing."
Heading into spring practice, before the back issues, Carroll did say Booty was the front-runner.
"John David Booty is in the lead position going into the spring," he said. "He had a great showing last spring when Matt Leinart was out with his elbow injury, and we expect he'll do so again this spring. But Mark Sanchez will contest him for the job. The competition is on."
It wasn't a surprise that Booty was No. 1 entering the spring, considering Sanchez was a redshirt last season while Booty completed 27-of-42 passes (64.3 percent) for 327 yards and three touchdowns and just two interceptions. Booty saw action as Leinart's backup in 10 of the team's 13 games.
This is Booty's fourth year in the program -- he graduated from high school a year early and enrolled at USC in 2003. The younger brother of Josh Booty, who played for the Florida Marlins and the Cleveland Browns, John David was actually expected to compete against Leinart back in 2003, in what should've been his senior year in high school.
But Leinart became a superstar and Booty's been patiently waiting to embark upon what many thought would be a prolific collegiate career. Before Booty suffered the back spasms, Kiffin said he looked "awesome, a bona fide, big-time quarterback," this spring.
While no one is sure who'll be under center come the season-opener at Arkansas on Sept. 2, Kiffin is sure of one thing.
"We want a starter by the opener, we want one guy going forward with the offense," he said. "We have no intention, none, of alternating the two of them every other drive or quarter or any of that. To us, that's not a possibility."
The scouting report on each signal caller has Booty the better decision-maker, which is expected considering his four years in the system. And while both have NFL size, Sanchez is the prototype in terms of height, weight, strength, throwing arm -- you name it. It's almost like he was born to play quarterback. Booty is more mobile, and a better runner, but that's never really been as aspect of the Trojans' offense.
The lone knock from the coaching staff this spring against Sanchez -- who has been universally praised for his work ethic since arriving on campus -- was being a little slow on reads and making the commitment to pass a little quicker.
Carroll said after spring practice that Booty, if healthy, would enter the fall taking the first snaps. But, as Kiffin said, nothing is set in stone.
"The thing is one guy is first string and the other guy is second string. In essence we are in the same position coming out of spring time," Carroll said. "It is the only thing that makes sense to me. It doesn't diminish any of the competitiveness for the fall. This is a different situation than when we named Matt two years ago."
"We need to make sure John David makes it back. If he makes it back and he comes out flying, then it is going to be hard for Mark to knock him out, just because of the background and the information. I wouldn't count Mark out. He has done too well and he has exceeded every threshold. He will be so much more confident when he comes back in to fall camp after putting spring in his back pocket. It is a big jump I think. Both guys can play. We are in a very lucky situation."

The third-stringer is junior and former walk-on Michael McDonald (6-2, 185), who tossed a 4-yard touchdown on his lone attempt of 2005. He's the son of former USC All-American and NFL quarterback Paul McDonald.

RUNNING BACKS

While replacing Leinart is obviously an issue, there are two potential NFL quarterbacks, one who has been around the program four years, battling for that assignment. Take nothing away from Leinart, but the No. 1 issue for the Trojans' offense this season comes at tailback, not behind center.
Imagine if Bush and White, who combined for an NCAA-record 3,042 yards in 2005, decided to follow Leinart's lead and return for their senior seasons.
No one would be predicting a slip for the Trojans, of that we can be certain. But the duo has departed. And while at first glance this position appears mostly inexperienced, with a host of unproven candidates vying for carries, thanks to some classroom work this spring, running back could prove a real strength.
Outside of hardcore college football fans and USC followers, this name certainly isn't a familiar one -- at least not as of the summer of 2006. Check back in October or November and that might be a different story. By then, the name Chauncey Washington (6-0, 215) might be among the most recognized in college football.
A junior, this is Washington's fourth year on the USC campus. So where the heck has he been? Not buried behind Reggie Bush and LenDale White, as most would probably assume. Instead, Washington, who many believe has comparable talent to White, has been academically ineligible since playing as a freshman in 2003.
In early May, after missing spring practice while concentrating on his grades, Washington regained his eligibility. And while Washington's collegiate resume includes 65 yards on 19 carries three seasons ago, Kiffin says there's no debate that Washington's the guy heading into fall camp.
"He's eligible and 100 percent," Kiffin said. "Chauncey didn't practice this spring; we wanted him constantly focused on academics. But we're excited; he can do a lot of things. He has good hands, runs strong routes, and there's no doubt to me that he can handle 20 touches a game.
"Let me preface this by saying he isn't as fast as Reggie Bush, but he's the kind of back that I'd describe as a cross between LenDale and Reggie. He has more size than Bush and is quicker than White, and well, it's going to be fun watching him play this season."
Senior Hershel Dennis (5-11, 200) was expected to either start or back up Washington this season, but he suffered a torn ACL in spring practice and is out for the season. Dennis missed last season after tearing knee ligaments before the 2005 Orange Bowl. He actually started as a sophomore in 2003, and has nearly 1,000 career yards.
As for who will be behind Washington on the depth chart, it's anyone's guess, including Kiffin, who said, "We have a bunch of guys with a shot, but until August, I have no idea who'll emerge."
There's certainly some serious talent in tow, with two of the top tailback recruits in the country this year in Emmanuel Moody (6-1, 195) of Coppell (Texas) High School and highly touted Stafon Johnson (6-2, 215) of Los Angeles Dorsey High School, who rushed for 2,220 yards as a senior in 2005.
Sophomore Michael Coleman (6-1, 235) is built somewhat like White and rushed for 95 yards on 20 carries as a freshman last season before missing most of the second half of the season with a hip injury.
At fullback, replacing reliable David Kirtman is probably senior Brandon Hancock (6-1, 230), who was the starter in 2003 and has nine career receptions and a touchdown.

Senior Ryan Powdrell (6-0, 250), a converted linebacker, is the likely backup.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

No question marks or unproven players here. The fact senior Steve Smith (6-0, 195), a two-year starter with 119 career receptions, might have lost his starting job illustrates just how loaded USC is at wide-out.
That group, of course, starts with everyone's All-American (including Blue Ribbon), junior Dwayne Jarrett (6-5, 210). All but guaranteed to be departing after this season and declaring for the NFL draft, where he was projected as a top-five pick, Jarrett finished 2005 with 91 receptions for 1,274 yards (14.0 yards per catch) and a school-record tying 16 touchdowns.
"Dwayne is a big, strong acrobatic receiver with great hands and he's so difficult to defense," Carroll said. "He has a knack for making big plays. We expect even better things from him in 2006."
Kiffin says Jarrett, in just his third year on campus, is starting to show some leadership, too. That another area the Trojans, especially offensively, are lacking in entering the fall. Jarrett would seem the ideal candidate to step up and assume a leadership role.
"First, Dwayne's work ethic is better this year, it was this spring, and that says so much about the player, coming off that kind of the season and working even harder," Kiffin said. "He's getting there with the leadership, not only on the field, but off as well. He's setting an example for the other players to follow."
"Steve just does all the little things that turn into big things. He's fast, runs great routes and makes tough catches."
Lining up opposite Jarrett is either Smith, who had three 100-yard efforts last season as a junior and would've been drafted this season if he had chosen to declare, or says Kiffin, the next great USC receiver -- following the likes of current Detroit Lion Mike Williams and Jarrett -- sophomore Patrick Turner (6-5, 220).
In 2005, as freshman, Turner had 12 receptions for 170 yards and two scores. He was hampered by a hamstring problem, plus the combination of being a bit lost in the talent shuffle and acclimating to life on campus. The adjustment period appears to over, though. Turner showed this spring -- highlighted by two touchdown catches in the spring scrimmage -- that he's ready to become one of the nation's best this fall.
"Patrick's more like Mike Williams than Dwayne in terms of size, he's 230 pounds, but he's faster than Mike is," Kiffin said. "He's going to see more chances and even push Smith as the second starter."
In case three all but guaranteed NFL wide-outs weren't enough for the Trojans, there's more talent on hand, including senior Chris McFoy (6-1, 200), who had 17 receptions in 2005; junior Whitney Lewis (6-1, 225), who could also see time in the backfield; and perhaps the top wide receiver recruit in the nation, Videl Hazelton (6-3, 200) of New York City and Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy. Hazelton signed late, reportedly going against his family's wishes and choosing USC over Penn State.
At tight end, Kiffin expects a monster season from junior Fred Davis (6-4, 245). In 2005, Davis corralled the starting job from Dominique Byrd, he of 81 career receptions, toward the later stages and finished with 13 grabs for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Originally recruited as a wide receiver, Davis needs to improve his run blocking. But catching balls over the middle isn't an issue.
"Fred has a chance to become the best tight end we've had in my five seasons here," Kiffin said.

Behind Davis are junior Dale Thompson (6-4, 255) and sophomore Jimmy Miller (6-5, 250).

OFFENSIVE LINE

The line was absolutely decimated by the NFL, with three players being selected, two of which -- guard Fred Matua and tackle Winston Justice -- departed with a year of eligibility remaining. And even if losing the third, guard Taitusi Lutui, was expected, it's always rough to see a consensus All-American depart.
However, Kiffin, is confident this year's offense, even with the loss of seven starters, will rank among the nation's elite.
"We've set standards here to field a dominant offense, one that puts us in position to win every game," Kiffin said. "We're not going to run less plays, or change anything. Our challenge is being as good as last year's offense, and we plan on accomplishing that goal."
While there are question marks up front, especially on the right side, not many units around the country have a better anchor than junior left tackle Sam Baker (6-5, 305). A potential All-American, Baker is the overall package -- strength, athleticism, quick feet, intelligent -- and all but a guaranteed to be a first-round NFL pick, say the scouts.
In the middle is another stud, senior center Ryan Kalil (6-3, 285). A first-team All-Pac-10 selection last season, Kalil is the ideal center, from reading defenses to being the unquestioned leader of this unit.
"Sam and Ryan are among the best offensive linemen in the country," Carroll said. "They're veterans and team leaders who are technically sound blockers. They form a solid nucleus for our line."
While not officially a returning starter, sophomore guard Jeff Byers (6-3, 300) started as a freshman in 2004 before missing last season with a hip injury. He's 100 percent and should combine for a potent left side with Baker.
Both starting slots on the right side are open entering fall camp.
"It's important that we not only identify starters but develop quality depth on the line," Carroll said.
The favorites are senior Kyle Williams (6-6, 295) at tackle and sophomore Chilo Rachal (6-5, 300) at guard. Both saw significant action in reserve roles last season.

The depth includes junior Alatini Malu (6-4, 340) pushing Rachal, redshirt freshman tackle Thomas Herring (6-6, 335), who missed the spring with a knee injury that sidelined him in 2005, and junior Matt Spanos (6-5, 300), who plays center and tackle.

KICKERS

While he doesn't have the range of several Pac-10 kickers, junior Mario Danelo (5-10, 185) is as accurate as they come from inside 40 yards. He was 83-of-86 on extra points, setting NCAA single-season records in both departments, PAT makes and attempts. After missing his first career attempt, the son of former NFL kicker Joe Danelo drilled his next 11 attempts to finish off the season. His long was 43 yards.
His limited leg strength, though, keeps him away from kick-off duties. Sophomore Troy Van Blarcom (6-3, 210) will handle that chore for the second season. Of his 110 kickoffs, which is a staggering number in itself, 51 pinned opponents within their 20-yard line, including 31 touchbacks. He could also be called upon for field goals outside of 45 yards and there's also a chance Van Blarcom could end up the team's punter, too.

"We have a solid kicker in Mario and Troy showed us at the end of the year that he's capable of booming his kickoffs," Carroll said.

DEFENSIVE LINE

First off, in case you missed it, Pete Carroll was fired.
No, he really was.
Well, not exactly.
On Feb. 9, USC hired Nick Holt as the team's first defensive coordinator since Carroll came aboard. In the past, the former NFL defensive coordinator handle dual roles, but no more after the hiring of Holt, who left Idaho after two seasons as head coach.
"I have demoted myself," Carroll said. "What we have done is added to what we have done. Nick has been great. We are still doing all of the meetings together, and planning. He takes care of the day to day stuff that keeps us going and helps me keep the continuity of the work and the staff."
Before his stint at Idaho, Holt had been the linebackers coach at USC.
"I was here before, I know the defense, we were running it for the most part at Idaho," Holt said. "I'm more than comfortable with the schemes and such, and I helped recruit some of the upperclassmen. I've watched the film from last season, the cut-ups and such, so it's not like this is an entirely new situation."
As for the defensive line, it returns two starters in junior end Lawrence Jackson (6-5, 265) and junior nose tackle Sedrick Ellis (6-1, 285). Both are All-Pac-10 candidates, with Jackson having earned first team honors a year ago behind 46 tackles, 13 for loss, 10 sacks, six deflections, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. You could say this guy's a playmaker.
To some the top pure pass rusher in the nation, Jackson could vie for All-America honors although he's likely to draw multiple blockers on just about every passing play this season. He practiced only four or five times this spring, hampered by a thigh problem, but Holt says it was minor and that Jackson will be 100 percent in August.
"Lawrence is a dominating end and should be one of the best in the nation," Carroll said.
Ellis was solid in the middle, with 50 tackles, eight for loss, 4.5 sacks and three deflections and is the leader of the unit, if not the entire defense.
After that, though, the line has little experience. Among those battling for the second starting end assignment include sophomore Kyle Moore (6-7, 265), who was No. 1 on the depth chart after the spring despite just six tackles in 2005, juniors Jeff Schweiger (6-4, 260) and Alex Morrow (6-6, 265) and senior Rashaad Goodrum (6-3, 245).
"Moore has a chance to be a good player," Holt said. "He was impressive this spring."
At tackle, junior Chris Barrett (6-5, 265), a converted end, is the leader in the clubhouse. Holt said Barrett finally appeared confident this spring and seemed poised for a breakout campaign.
Also in the mix at tackle are sophomore Fila Moala (6-4, 300) and senior Travis Tofi (6-4, 255), who had 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2005.

"We have a good nucleus on the line, but not a lot of depth," Holt said.

LINEBACKERS

The somewhat unexpected early departure of Lofa Tatupu for the NFL really hurt this unit last season, no further evidence needed than the Rose Bowl. But if linebacker wasn't a team strength last season, it certainly is in 2006.
Six players who started games last season are back, including senior Dallas Sartz (6-5, 240), the three-year strong-side starter that was knocked out for the season in early September with a shoulder injury. While he missed the spring, still rehabbing the shoulder, he should be healed come August.
In the middle, it's going to be a close competition between senior Oscar Lua (6-1, 240), who had 66 tackles in 2005, and sophomore Rey Maualuga (6-3, 250), who finished last season with 37 tackles, 4.5 for loss and two forced fumbles.
"Oscar is an excellent leader, guys look to him for leadership," Holt said. "And Rey, when it's all said and done, Rey Maualuga is going to be a special player. He's a little faster, and more mobile than Oscar and it should be an excellent battle between those guys."
Returning at the weak side is junior Keith Rivers (6-3, 220), who finished his first starting campaign with 52 tackles, three for loss and two fumble recoveries. He'll be pushed by sophomore Kaluka Maiava (6-0, 220) and if healthy, sophomore Brian Cushing (6-4, 235) and perhaps, oft-injured junior Thomas Williams (6-3, 230), who can play any of the three linebacker positions.
Also in the mix are talented freshmen recruits Joshua Tatum (6-1, 225) of San Pablo, Calif. (McClymonds High School) and Allen Bradford (6-0, 230) of Lemoore (Calif.) High School.
"This is the strength of our defense and certainly our most competitive group," Carroll said. "I am really fired up about the defense. I think the depth at our linebacker spots will give us the ability to move these guys around and the use of talents will really help us."

"Kaluka and Rey's emergence has been obvious -- both of those guys could be starters. That is a great improvement from where we were a year ago."

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Come midseason, perhaps even earlier, the Trojans could be starting multiple true freshmen in their secondary. Are they that desperate or are the kids so talented they can't be kept off the field? The answer is likely some where in between.
Three starters are gone, including All-American Darnell Bing, the lone USC defensive player last season to bid adieu with eligibility remaining.
While nothing is definite, that returning starter, junior Josh Pinkard (6-1, 200) is likely to line up at free safety. He can play anywhere in the secondary; he started the last six games in 2005 at cornerback. His vitals last season included 54 tackles, seven pass break-ups, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Behind Pinkard, USC has some holes to fill.
Sophomore Kevin Ellison (6-1, 220) has the inside track at strong safety, but because he's coming back from a serious knee injury suffered just a year ago, who knows?
Other candidates at safety include freshmen Antwine Perez (6-2, 205) of Westville Grove, N.J. (Woodrow Wilson High School) and Taylor Mays (6-4, 225) of Seattle (O'Dea High School). Perez was on campus for the spring and if he isn't starting in September, it's only because Ellison is at 100 percent.
"We're going to need those two freshmen at safety, no doubt about it," Holt said.
Senior Brandon Ting (5-10, 180) should also see some minutes at safety, probably in dime packages.

Holt actually has high hopes for his corners, led by junior Terrell Thomas (6-1, 195), who missed most of last season but can run with any wide-out in the Pac-10, and sophomore Kevin Thomas (6-1, 190). Also vying for playing time are sophomores Cary Harris (6-1, 180) and Mozique McCurtis (6-1, 225).

PUNTERS

This hasn't been an issue for USC the last four seasons, as the program's only All-American punter, Tom Malone, handled the duties. And while his senior campaign wasn't his best, he finished with a 44.0 average for his career.
There are two candidates to replace Malone, walk-on sophomore Taylor Odegard (5-9, 170), who punted once last season, late in the early-season Hawaii blowout, and Van Blarcom.
"There are some big shoes to fill at punter," Carroll said.

Odegard handled the duties in the spring scrimmage, and launched a pair of 50-yarders. While the competition is open entering the fall, it appears he has the inside track.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Because Bush handled the majority of kick and punt returns the last two seasons, both responsibilities are up for grabs, with a host of players in the running. Reserve safety Ting departed spring as the punt returner, but there's a more than realistic chance of freshmen handling both chores.
The favorites included freshman tailbacks Kenny Ashley (5-9, 210) of Los Angeles (Venice High School), and Emmanuel Moody along with tailback/cornerback C.J. Gable (6-1, 190) of Sylmar (Calif.) High School. All are exceptional athletes.
Junior Desmond Reed would've been the favorite to return kicks, but he'll miss another season recovering from a knee injury suffered against Notre Dame last season.
Back for his third year as the long snapper is junior Will Collins (6-2, 220), who has performed flawlessly to date, with senior fullback Mike Brittingham (6-1, 205) serving as the backup.
The graduation of Malone opens another job besides punter -- he was also the holder the last four seasons. That job will probably be filled by either third-string quarterback McDonald or perhaps even Sanchez if he doesn't overtake Booty as the starting quarterback.
While the kickoff unit was solid last season, averaging about 21 yards a return, the punting squad really struggled, allowing 17 yards a return and two touchdowns.

"We need to get back to the point where our special teams are special," Carroll said. "We had some breakdowns in some areas last season."

BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS

In 2005, USC set Pac-10 single-season records in total offense (579.8 yards per game) and points scored (49.1 points per game). Those numbers are video game-like, and simply put, the Trojans were a historic Vince Young effort away from being classified among the great college football teams of all-time. That offense still merits joining any debate about the elite of yesteryear. Grading the Trojans
Unit Grade
Offense A-
Special teams B
Defense B+
Intangibles B+

Those offensive numbers not only won't be repeated this season, they may never be.
However, despite as much turnover as any team in the conference, USC is just fine, thanks. Some of the talent is young and unproven, but even if only half the new starters pan out, the Trojans can match offensive and defensive starting units with any team in the country. The depth is lacking in several areas, but the Pac-10 is more balanced this season than last, and unless USC suffers a rash of injuries, it should battle Cal for the conference title.
The schedule includes likely the toughest back-to-back games on any schedule this season with Cal and Notre Dame on Nov. 18 and 25, respectfully. But those highly anticipated games are taking place in Los Angeles, where USC has won 27 straight. Actually, make it a three-game run, as Oregon visits a week previous to Cal.
As the team finds itself in the early going, the schedule is favorable. A loss in the first six games would be surprising.
USC is still very much a part of the BCS picture, and while an undefeated campaign appears unlikely, this could be one of those seasons where the national title game has one, if not two teams with a blemished record. It wouldn't surprise us if the Trojans were there once again.