More Buehler - OC Register
The USC football team is asking more out of David Buehler this season by telling him to do less. It's no surprise that Buehler has found the assignment occasionally baffling.

Last year, Buehler competed for playing time at fullback and safety, plus got on the field on special teams. Kicking the ball a long way was only part of what he did well.

But the Santa Ana Junior College transfer has just one assignment this year. He is the place kicker.

Buehler is replacing Mario Danelo, who was as consistent as the tax man...

USC — Who else? — dominates Lindy’s Defensive All-American Team - Lindy's Sports
Three Southern California Trojans find themselves on the Lindy's Defensive All-American team, two on the first unit and one on the second.

It's not too surprising considering USC is a consensus No. 1 pick going into the season.

Defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis and linebacker Keith Rivers are both on the first-team while linebacker Rey Maualuga is listed on the second team...

2007 Pac-10 Conference preview - Athlon Sports
...someone really should take a serious look into USC’s latest graduation rates. A funny thing happened on the way to commencement exercises: Almost no one from the football team showed up. Did the NCAA grant a blanket sixth year of eligibility to the older Trojans? The names and numbers of these guys have become way too familiar.

Carroll should apologize to someone. He returns 15 starters, all but one of his defensive first-teamers. How on earth did linebacker Dallas Sartz get away? The Trojans coach has more than 50 players back in the fold who have appeared in at least one game before, 31 who have started. “We have the nucleus of a very strong, successful team,” Carroll says.

No kidding...Defense is where it really gets ridiculous...A more pressing question is, can anyone score on them?...

Bringing the glory back - San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Your dreams were your ticket out. ... But those dreams have remained and they've turned around. ... Who'd've thought they'd lead ya? Back here where we need ya? -- John Sebastian

But that's the case for Bishop Amat High School alum Daylon McCutcheon, who after an eight-year NFL career has come home with the hopes of reviving this once proud tradition.

"I'm excited to help these guys out," said McCutcheon who, in the last 12 seasons, earned All-America honors at USC before moving on to become a starter for the Cleveland Browns of the NFL. "I'm just tired of hearing about the good ol' days, the good ol' days. I feel I was part of the best teams (in Amat's history). I want these kids to experience what I experienced when I played here...

Tailback depth takes another hit with Washington's injury - LA Times
USC tailback Chauncey Washington mainly credits three people for his lighter, sleeker physique.

According to the fifth-year senior, Chris Carlisle, Brandon Hancock and George Foreman helped him shed 24 pounds during the off-season.

Carlisle, USC's strength coach, provided the workout regimen. Hancock, a former Trojans fullback and bodybuilding aficionado, supplied nutritional advice. And Foreman, the former boxing champion, was the namesake for the popular grill on which Washington prepared his high-protein meals...

...On Wednesday night, as he walked out of the Coliseum with his right shoulder packed in ice and secured with a sling, Washington looked as if he had absorbed one too many body shots from a heavyweight fighter...

Also, USC RB Washington injures shoulder in scrimmage - LA Daily News
Tailback Washington hurt in Trojans' final scrimmage - Inaldn Empire Press-Enterprise

Learning curve - OC Register
Chris Galippo can tell he's not in the Trinity League any more, but the freshman linebacker from Servite High has looked anything but out of place on the USC practice field this fall.

Galippo, a middle linebacker, and weak-side linebacker Malcolm Smith, the younger brother of former USC receiver Steve Smith, have been drawing as much praise from the coaches as any freshmen.

Both Galippo and Smith could be factors right away. USC might lose all three of its starting linebackers to the NFL draft next spring, so the coaches are considering using Galippo and Smith some to prepare them for larger roles as sophomores.

Galippo is working with the second-team special teams units for now, but could move onto the first teams by the Idaho game...

USC's Baker is on the verge of making history - Lindy's
Already a two-time All-American, USC offensive tackle Sam Baker might seem hard-pressed for an encore this season. But Baker's dream season starts off with a simple goal: Stay healthy.

As improbable as it sounds, Baker was an All-American last season despite being bothered by a knee injury he originally suffered two years ago. He played with a large piece of loose bone in his knee.

"It affected a lot of stuff I did," Baker said.

Few noticed, however, and Baker was a consensus All-American. He easily could have turned pro, but he never considered it despite being perhaps the top prospect on last year's USC team...

CFN Three-Year Program Ranking - College Football News
...1. USC
2006 Ranking: 1 2005: 1 2004: 10 2003: 24
Program Analysis: Make it three straight years for the Men of Troy, and once again, it's not even close with a whopping 6.87 points ahead of No. 2 Texas. Going 36-3 over a three-year span certainly makes the rating high, and as expected, the fans have starting showing up more and more. Fine, so the APR is average, but everything else is unbelievable. Only Florida State has had as many drafted players over the last three years, Only Texas has more Quality Wins, only Auburn has a better Elite Win score, and no one has more wins.

...20. California...29. UCLA...37. Arizona State...38. Oregon State...44. Oregon...69. Washington State...71. Stanford...87. Arizona...96. Washington...

Goal is crystal clear: New Orleans or bust - Daily Trojan
The nearly unanimous preseason No. 1 in every major poll, a Heisman Trophy front-runner at quarterback, 10 returning defensive starters from a squad that held its last six opponents to 74 total points and five incoming freshmen rated as the top player at their position.

These figures have the makings of the best season in a program's recent memory, or in many cases, the makings of a program's best season ever. Then again, if this program is USC, these figures have the makings of yet another team that could, should, win it all. In fact, anything less would be a disappointment...

...at USC the idea that nothing less than a championship will suffice has become an inexplicable and possibly unfair truth...

Also, After two years, Turner's time is now - Daily Trojan
Linebackers: Changing perceptions - Daily Trojan
D-Line: Big players, big expectations - Daily Trojan
Secondary: Young but experienced - Daily Trojan
Quarterbacks: Spotlight is on Booty - Daily Trojan
O-Line: Rebuilding the foundation - Daily Trojan
Wide Receivers: New faces, old aspirations - Daily Trojan
RBs: Finding strength in numbers - Daily Trojan
"Mood" about USC's running game changes with transfer - Daily Trojan
After Danelo's death, kickers look forward - Daily Trojan
Your top 10 reasons not to look past Idaho - Daily Trojan

[Oberjuerge] Trojans just too talented? - San Bernardino Sun
..."Hey, I could transfer."

It must be crossing the minds of lots of Trojans whose medium-range plans include a lucrative stint in The League - but currently are running third on the USC depth chart.

What, indeed, keeps players at USC when they have to be thinking, "I could go anyplace else and be an every-down player?"...

...Senior defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis pondered USC's holding power.

"Number one is winning games," the third-year starter said.

"Number two is the ability to get to the next level from USC...

Also, Poachers on Notice - Inland Empire Press-Enterprise

Talent runs deep on the Trojans' defensive line - Inland Empire Press-Enterprise
It wasn't supposed to be like this...

...USC's defensive front four were good, but it was just the four of them.

Several preseason publications had the quartet -- All-Americans Sedrick Ellis at nose tackle and Lawrence Jackson at end, along with...Fili Moala and...Kyle Moore at the other end -- as the No. 1 unit in the nation...

...And then two things happened.

Ellis, Jackson, Moala and Moore came to summer practice quicker and...bigger. They're all much more ready to play after what all agreed was their best summer conditioning program since they came to USC.

But here's the kicker. At USC there's now defense in depth, a lot of depth...

Trojans deny Holland's transfer release to Oregon - LA Daily News
USC would not grant former wide receiver Jamere Holland a formal release to his preferred fellow Pacific-10 Conference rival, Oregon, according to sources.

Holland, who was dismissed by USC coach Pete Carroll on Monday after he already decided to transfer, wants to enroll at Oregon next month. But the Trojans are unlikely to grant a release to another Pac-10 school.

Holland actually listed several other Pac-10 schools, including Arizona State, on his release. The only non-Pac-10 school listed is Florida, where Holland' s former Taft High School...coach, Troy Starr, is the director of football operations...

...This would not be the first time Carroll refused to grant a release...

Hot competition for tailbacks - OC Register
At 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, the USC football team switched into game mode. So what if their first opponent wouldn’t arrive in Los Angeles for more than a week?

The team did one final walk-through on campus, then checked into a downtown hotel. This evening the Trojans will divide into two (the first team against the second team) and scrimmage under the Coliseum lights. It might be their toughest game until they travel to Nebraska.

"This is going to be a good game," Coach Pete Carroll said.

It is an exercise in preparedness for USC, a yearly ritual that Carroll follows to help ready his players for the routine and excitement of game day.

"We take this very seriously because we want to make sure the guys can maximize their focus when it comes time to perform," he said...

Also, Bradford is willing to wait for his turn - LA Times

[Krikorian] At the top of his field - Long Beach Press-Telegram
...There is no doubt that Pete Carroll has become the biggest star in the glittering USC football constellation, a modern-day Howard Jones and John McKay wrapped into a bundle of inspirational charisma and organizational deftness that has resulted in two national championships...

..."We haven't accomplished anything yet. This is just the preseason. I'm not worried about all the stuff said about us...

..."We're extraordinarily fortunate to have reached the level we have here at USC," he says. "Our ultimate goal here is to win forever."...

..."Is this your final season at USC?" I ask.

Pete Carroll shakes his head, and continues to smile...

Trojans receiving corps thinner with departure - OC Register
...Carroll said he addressed a "handful" of his players about other schools that might tempt them to transfer. The Trojans now expect Holland to turn in his transfer papers...

..."From a competitive sense, I understand why guys would eyeball our roster and look for guys here and there."...Carroll said. "The other side of it is it's illegal, so it has to be done properly."

Carroll said he would report any instances of other schools contacting his players to the USC compliance office. He wouldn't disclose the reasons for dismissing Holland, other than to say it wasn't, "along the lines you might suspect like breaking rules or laws or something like that."

Teammates indicated that Holland...was not always present at team meetings...

USC cornerback Wright considered transferring - LA Daily News
With two players leaving USC in the past week, Trojans coach Pete Carroll was concerned enough about rumors cornerback Shareece Wright might transfer to meet with the sophomore.

Wright said he considered transferring but never took any steps toward leaving.

"I thought about it," he said. "It came up here and there. But I didn't contact any other colleges."

Wright admitted he was stunned Carroll confronted him over the matter.

"It surprised me when he brought it up to me," Wright said. "I just told him if he heard it, I hadn't talked to anyone."...

Also, Holland no longer with USC football - LA Daily News
Carroll dismisses 2006 recruit Holland - LA Times
Wide Receiver Holland Dismissed - Inalnd Empire Press-Enterprise

Five Trojans already have earned degrees - OC Register
...Make no mistake here. Four seasons of soaking in adulation and experiencing triumph in the nation’s top program, walking out the Coliseum tunnel and standing victorious after a Rose Bowl game have been rewarding, too.

But the celebration Jody Adewale loves most came when he threw on his cap without a facemask and gown without a number and graduated last spring with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

"When I walked to get my diploma," Adewale said, "I felt people looking at me with respect as someone more than an athlete. I was a man."

Four other current Trojans — left guard Jeff Byers, defensive end Lawrence Jackson, tailback Hershel Dennis and kicker Brad Smith, who transferred from Davidson — already have their bachelor’s degrees...

Frustration grows among tailbacks - OC Register
...Another player who took a turn as the featured back last year, C.J. Gable, expressed a measure of frustration at the situation.

Gable, a sophomore, started five games last year but has seen his chances shrink as the coaches take looks at Stafon Johnson, Broderick Green and Allen Bradford.

"It's a challenge, because sometimes when I get my reps, there's nothing there, so it makes me look bad. But they already know what I can do from last year," Gable said. "I trust them right now. I'm just going to get in the plays I get in right now."

Competition at the tailback spot is nothing new at USC, but the numbers this year are new. The Trojans still have nine tailbacks...

Also, [Johnston] Tailback U runs an amazing nine deep - MSNBC

[Maisel] USC has a stable of talented backs to choose from - ESPN
The late Agatha Christie's new mystery is "Ten Little Trojans."

When USC sophomore Emmanuel Moody announced late last week that he intended to transfer in order to find more playing time, the Trojans still had nine remaining candidates from which to choose at tailback. Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian assessed the field...earlier this summer.

What Sarkisian is looking for: "The goal for us is to have one to two lead backs and the other guys are going to be our spot, role-type players, whether it's short yardage, whether it's third down. We're going to have one or two backs and we're going to go with them...

[Maisel] Turner poised to be next in long line of great Trojan receivers - ESPN
Patrick Turner arrived at USC two years ago with the fanfare accorded a top high school recruit. Here came a 6-foot-5 wide receiver from Nashville who, like the similarly sized Dwayne Jarrett two years before, would step off the plane and into the starting lineup. Add uniform and stir: instant star.

That didn't happen. Life isn't that easy, especially at USC, where the scout team is filled with high school phenoms.

Turner remained an understudy to Jarrett and Steve Smith for two seasons. There's no shame in backing up receivers who became NFL second-round draft picks this past April. But the reality of standing on the sideline for two seasons can grind down any high school stud who has been wooed by the top coaches in the country...

USC camp ends on high note - Inland Empire Press-Enterprise
It took the final play on the final day of preseason camp to break the tie between the offense and defense, and new receiver Garrett Green's leaping grab was the difference. Just the way Pete Carroll hoped to send his top-ranked Trojans off to their final team meetings and a quiet night, a week before the start of classes next Monday...

...Linebacker Luthur Brown got some hitting in for the first time this summer, and offensive tackle Drew Radovich increased his workload, although with just two days of practice, Carroll said Radovich is a "long shot" to be ready to start against Idaho...

Receiver Holland dismissed from team - LA Times
USC receiver Jamere Holland was dismissed from the team, Coach Pete Carroll said late Sunday night.

Carroll declined to comment about why Holland was dismissed, but said it was not a violation of team rules.

"It was just the right thing to do," Carroll said...

...Holland...redshirted last season after breaking his collarbone. He reinjured his collarbone during spring practice and was counseled several times by coaches about a seeming lack of commitment to football...

Also, Second top recruit exits USC - LA Times
Holland might leave USC football team - LA Daily news
Holland dismissed - OC Register

USC freshman TE Ellison is impressive - LA Daily News
When USC releases its preseason depth chart, there could be a surprising name on the offense.

Freshman tight end Rhett Ellison, the son of former USC linebacker Riki Ellison, continues to impress Trojans coach Pete Carroll, who thinks the 18-year-old is holding his own against the veterans at the position.

"He's playing as well as anybody," Carroll said. "And he's not just catching the ball, he's blocking really well. He's probably been the biggest surprise of camp."...

Also, [Withers] Powerful defense makes USC No. 1 - Seattle Times
Sorting out the powerful Pac-10 - Arizona State Press

Davis needs to take his chances - OC Register
Not a day goes by that one of the fans who line the practice field at USC doesn't wonder when Fred Davis is going to get more action.

The athletic tight end shows flashes of being a downfield threat in the mold of NFL players like Tony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates, but he also has inexplicable lapses. Both were on display Thursday night at the Coliseum when Davis caught two consecutive 30-yard passes to score a touchdown and later dropped an easy throw from John David Booty...

Also, Turner's turn to be USC's main man at wide receiver - Inland Empire Press-Enterprise

Moody's mood lifted by decision - LA Times
For the first time in weeks, Emmanuel Moody appeared completely at ease.

He walked away from Heritage Hall on Friday afternoon with no bags of ice strapped to his bruised knee and, perhaps more telling, sporting a grin.

Moody, a sophomore tailback who was USC's second-leading rusher last season, said he was at peace with his decision to transfer to another school in search of a featured role.

"I had to make a business decision for my future," he said. "I think it was the right thing to do."...

Also, [Hoffarth] In no mood to fight on - LA Daily News
Less time led to Moody's blues with USC - LA Daily News

[Ventre] Trojans retool, reload around Booty - MSNBC
It is a requirement of the quarterback position to anticipate change. Every look downfield for a receiver is slightly different than the last. Every situation has at least one or two wrinkles that require an adjustment. The signal-caller who is best at thinking on his feet is usually the one who avoids landing on his butt.

For the 2006 college football season, John David Booty of USC had to deal with one big delightful change. After sitting behind Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart for three years, he finally got the nod as a starter. His debut campaign was largely successful: 3,347 passing yards, 29 touchdowns...

[McCartney] Dynamic duos - CNNSI
...4. USC
Mind you, the '06 Trojans running game was the worst of Pete Carroll's tenure, but the talent in this crowded backfield will get things back on track.

Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian expects a strong 1-2 punch to emerge out of the nine backs on the roster...though it has the feel of a running-back-by-committee. The leader of the group to start the season will be senior Chauncey Washington...though he'll get a push from C.J. Gable... USC's biggest threat may be fantastic freshman Joe McKnight, who has created quite the buzz at practice. Little-used sophomores Allen Bradford and Stafon Johnson should also get carries.

The likely combo is a mix of Washington and Gable with a sprinkle of McKnight...

OFF THE DEEP END - LA Times
And then there were. . . nine.

Emmanuel Moody's decision to transfer has diminished USC's depth at tailback, but not the perception that it remains bloated.

According to Coach Pete Carroll, however, tales of a nine- or 10-deep tailback supply are greatly exaggerated.

"That's not what we're practicing with -- it doesn't feel like that out here," he said Thursday. "We're having to take care of some guys and we're having to work our way through it...

The incredible bulk - OC Register
College football has its share of physical freaks and USC collects them.

The Trojans can pack a meeting room with high-school track champions. They have monster dunkers and former soccer stars, even an ex-boxer. They have a parade of hulking behemoths jogging around the practice field.

But if they were asked to produce one character to slide into the next "X-Men" movie, they might send Sedrick Ellis into the audition room. Ellis moves things few men can.

How strong is Ellis, the Trojans’ All-American nose tackle? Conditioning coach Chris Carlisle stifles a laugh at the question. Is Ellis the strongest Trojan? Uh, yeah, how about ever?...

Green days highlight USC's scrimmage - LA Daily News
Tailback Broderick Green and new wide receiver Garrett Green highlighted USC's 78-play scrimmage Thursday night.

Broderick Green gained 60 yards in seven carries while Garrett Green caught three passes for 34 yards in his first game at receiver.

"It was fun; we'll see if I make the highlight reel," Garret Green said.

Broderick Green, still not cleared by the NCAA, was even more impressive.

"I was really pumped up by the big fella," USC coach Pete Carroll said...

Also, Green, Mustain add a touch of Arkansas to scrimmage - LA Times

Trojans tailback Moody to transfer - Inland Empire Press-Enterprise
Emmanuel Moody may have hinted at what he was going to do, and how he differed from the rest of USC's tailbacks, when he said last week that the decision about who would be the featured back would cause "chaos" for the talented backs who weren't picked.

No other USC tailback talked of that kind of downside. Allen Bradford, C. J. Gable and Chauncey Washington all said they were hoping the competition would make them better. Freshman Joe McKnight just laughed, saying there was a big upside because with 10 tailbacks in camp, they were getting so much rest between reps.

That Moody, the Trojans' second-leading rusher last season, has decided to transfer after one season didn't come as a surprise to Coach Pete Carroll...

Also, Not in a competitive mood - SJ Mercury-News
USC back to transfer, is considering Oklahoma State - The Oklahoman
Moody proves to be appropriate name for former Longhorn recruit - Austin American-Statesman

A BIG ADDITION TO D-LINE - NY Post
...The largest arrival is Manuel Wright, who comes aboard with extra tonnage and plenty of baggage.

A 6-6 defensive tackle listed at an optimistic 329 pounds...Wright is a former USC lineman who two years ago made headlines...

...Wright reportedly gained 28 pounds during the 2006 offseason and was eventually released by the Dolphins...now the Giants are giving him a shot. Just last week, Tom Coughlin said he did not think his defensive tackles were stout enough in the loss to the Panthers.

“Pro personnel has been kind of tracking him for quite a while,” Coughlin said. “He’s done a...good job of getting his weight down...so we would like to take a look...I don’t know that he’s completely in shape.”...

Also, Wright weighs in as DT - NY Daily News

[Dodd] Pac-10 Preview: One year left, but it's still Booty time - CBS Sportsline
This is the senior year John David Booty never had. USC's quarterback could win the Heisman and national championship this season but isn't about to give career advice.

"I wouldn't recommend anybody doing what I did unless the situation was the same," John David Booty said. "It's your senior year in high school. You look forward to it your whole life. I had brothers go before me...

...Seems like ancient history, but four years ago Booty became what is believed to be the first high school football player to skip his entire senior year to sign a major-college scholarship...

..."The Heisman? That's not on my list," Booty said. "(But) I'm definitely in a place where that could happen ... Coming here to SC was the best decision I made in my entire life."...

Also, [Hill] Time for Pac-10 to shake its perception - FoxSports

Source: Tailback Moody will transfer from USC - LA Daily News
USC tailback Emmanuel Moody decided to transfer Wednesday, possibly to Oklahoma State.

Moody was unhappy with his role, according to sources.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound sophomore rushed for 458 yards on 79 carries yards last season before missing the last four games after spraining his ankle...

...He was The Sporting News' Pac-10 Offensive Freshman of the Year...

... Fullback update: Carroll raved about fullback Stanley Havili, who scored several touchdowns in red-zone drills Wednesday.

"He's potentially the best fullback since we've been here," Carroll said.

Also, Tailback Moody to transfer - LA Times
Moody's decision shocks teammates - LA Times
Moody transferring - OC Register
USC tailback Moody to transfer - Dallas Morning News

Moving the pieces - OC Register
Injuries already are scrambling the USC football team's plans for its offensive line.

Right tackle Drew Radovich is unlikely to be ready by the Sept. 1 opener because of a back injury and All-America left tackle Sam Baker will miss the remainder of this week with a cracked rib, a painful injury that has a tendency to linger.

Into the void have stepped two lightly tested replacements: Charles Brown and Thomas Herring.

Brown, a converted tight end from Chino Hills, has been impressive in camp. Baker (Tustin High) called him a "ridiculous freak," because of his strength and agility...

Also, Here's good news: Byers is injury-free - LA Times

Top 25 countdown: No. 1 USC - Sporting News
So star receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith are gone. Does anyone really think that's a problem for USC? The Trojans are as deep and powerful as ever with 18 returning starters. Anything less than serious national title contention would be a surprise.

OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY
Quarterbacks coach Steve Sarkisian also will coordinate Pete Carroll's high-powered, balanced system. The Trojans might go to the shotgun formation, a favorite of quarterback John David Booty's, in some situations.

SKILL POSITIONS
Here's a surprise: USC has another Heisman candidate at quarterback...

USC receivers Turner, Ausberry starters - LA Daily News
What looked like an intriguing pairing a week ago officially became USC's starting wide receiver duo Tuesday, as 6-foot-5 receivers Patrick Turner and David Ausberry are on course to start the season opener together.

"If we played a game right now, David would get the opportunity," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "And Patrick's worked really hard...

...Ausberry surpassed sophomore Vidal Hazelton on the depth chart, although there should be a slight asterisk because Hazelton has been hampered by a sore groin. That injury could be troublesome because Hazelton has battled the injury since the end of last season, and he did not take part in Tuesday's practice.

"It definitely (hurts me)," Hazelton said. "You have to be strong-minded about it."...

Also, 'Twin Towers' loom large - OC Register
Husker cornerbacks hope big plays will be bounty instead of bane - Columbus Telegram

[Klima] Reaching a Secret Goal - Daily Breeze
As a studious young freshman intent on sacking his way into the spotlight, Lawrence Jackson took a short break from team meetings one day to head to the restroom....

...Former USC defensive line coach Ed Orgeron had business of a different kind to take care of. He followed Jackson into the restroom and pulled Jackson aside. He told him that he had grand visions of what Jackson might accomplish, but these aspirations could not be met if Jackson did not meet the goal that Orgeron established for him...

..."(Orgeron) told me he wanted me to do something before I left USC," Jackson said. "That's something I'm working toward. I don't want to put a lot of pressure on myself, so I won't say it."...

McKnight is finding his way - LA Times
Joe McKnight has shown only flashes of the speed and moves that made him one of the nation's most highly prized recruits...

..."We know he's a great player and what he's capable of doing," quarterback John David Booty said. "Now he's just got to go do it on Saturdays."

On Tuesday, USC made McKnight available to the media for the first time during training camp. He spoke with confidence and humility about the transition from high school to college football and how he expects to fit it on a team that is projected to contend for the national title.

"I'm kind of like feeling my way at this point, trying to find my role on the team," he said...

Also, McKnight will have much to say about Trojans success - Inland Empire Press-Enteprise
[Hayes] Hot-button issue: USC - Sporting News

USC making its case for being the new Linebacker U. - Inland Empire Press-Enterprise
How hard can it be to pick the nation's top group of linebackers?

Try counting to three, as most of the preseason pundits have done, and you come up with USC's Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing.

Rivers already is one of the nation's best going into his senior season, while the 250-pound juniors, the hard-hitting Maualuga in the middle and ball-hawking Cushing on the outside, appear ready to join the elite.

"They're beasts," said Trojans assistant Rocky Seto, who has coached them the past three seasons. "So big, so fast."

There's not much debate about the nation's best linebackers -- except at USC, where they don't stop counting at three...

Raider inspired by Martz - Sacramento Bee
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz gave receiver Mike Williams the blues last year.

Martz made it known when he was hired that Williams wasn't his kind of player.

He was merciless in his critiques of Williams, the 10th overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft who was in the midst of an underwhelming two-year stay with the Lions.

Williams said he still could hear Martz's voice in his head during practices with the Raiders. And he couldn't be more thankful.

If Williams can fulfill the promise he showed in two seasons at USC by making the Raiders and having an impact this season, it will be because of the prodding he took from Martz last season...

KICKING INTO HIGH GEAR - Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice
David Davis spends most of his practice time with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers on one end of the field while the rest of his teammates are on the other end.

His job is often a thankless one and he is easily one of the most recognizable players when he is in uniform, mainly because of his size — 5-foot-11, 160 pounds.

But Davis came up big Tuesday when he was named af2 kicker of the year...

...For Davis, though, the award signifies a mark of consistency...

...The last time Davis received an honor such as this was in 2001 while at Southern Cal..

Trial begins in Francis’ death - Baton Rouge Advocate
...The only witness to testify Tuesday was USC head basketball Coach Tim Floyd, who was called to identify photos of Francis. He also described how he met Francis, the first player he signed to play at USC.

After court, Floyd said he flew to Baton Rouge to attend the trial and to support Francis’ mother and family.

“It’s important to all of us at USC,” he said. “We all miss him and haven’t forgotten him.”

Floyd described Francis as a bright, respectful young man who did not miss classes, study halls or practices...

As Smith Takes Flight, Giants Take Notice - NY Times
A scene from Tuesday’s morning practice illustrated why the Giants are excited about Steve Smith.

Smith broke toward the corner of the end zone, closely shadowed by a defender. Quarterback Tim Hasselbeck threw the ball anyway, because even when Smith is covered, he finds a way to make catches. As the ball spiraled toward him, Smith adjusted his body, leaped high in the air and made an acrobatic catch that drew hoots of approval from his teammates.

The Giants believe that Smith, a second-round pick from the University of Southern California, can be a reliable complement to Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, and Coach Tom Coughlin, who does not habitually heap praise on rookies, makes an exception with Smith...

[Miller] Taylor Mays is the tailor-made player ... back to face Huskies - Seattle P-I
This is a work of science fiction. It's about building the perfect football player.

First, you need a breathtaking athlete...

...Next, he must love football...

...Can't leave out the head. He must be smart...

...Finally, his hobby would be ... thinking about football. Nightclubs, parties, dating, a social life? That's not for perfect football players...

...This is not a work of science fiction....But Washington fans already sniffed that out. For them, this is actually a horror story. It's about the one who got away...

...It's about Taylor Mays...

SI's Top 20 Scouting Reports: 1. USC Trojans - CNNSI
You get the feeling that every time coach Pete Carroll walks out his front door, he trips over another high school All-America longing to be a Trojan. With an impressive recruiting haul that added to a roster already overflowing with talent, it's little wonder that the Trojans are the popular pick to win the national championship. The only thing they appear to lack is enough playing time to distribute...

...The crowd at running back, where USC has 10 -- seriously, 10 -- former high school stars, might be the best evidence of the Trojans' wealth of talent. But most of those backs are notable more for their promise... Rather it's at linebacker, where Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers are arguably the best three-man unit in the country, that USC's overabundance at every position is most apparent. "This is the biggest, fastest, most aggressive linebacking group we've had," says Carroll...

[Markazi] Postcard from camp: USC - CNNSI
Joe McKnight is not allowed to talk to the media. Not yet, anyway. Due to the team's freshman policy all McKnight can do at this point is offer up a smile as he runs off the field after practice.

It's just as well. There aren't many words that can describe his style of play. Much like his "presidential" predecessor, his talents need to be seen not heard to be truly appreciated...

..."I remember exactly what I did the first time I watched Joe on tape," said USC coach Pete Carroll. "I quickly turned the thing off because I knew he was the real deal and he could do all of the stuff that we wanted to do. I just wanted to know who he was and where he was from."...

Also, Trojans take to McKnight - OC Register

Pac-10 preview: Trojans look stronger than ever - Athlon Sports
1. Southern Cal (12-0, 8-0) — There is no vanquishing Pete Carroll and his Trojan forces from the conversations of national championships....it is still a given that the USC offense will be as strong as ever; however, people in the know believe Carroll may oversee the best defense in his tenure at USC.

...Carroll's coaching and game day preparation should combine with the talent to spell another shot at a national championship for mighty Troy.

...2. California...3. Oregon State...4. UCLA...5. Arizona State...6. Oregon...7. Arizona...8. Washington State...9. Stanford...10. Washington...

[Duffey] Don't miss these conference games in 2007 - ESPN
...USC at Cal (Nov. 10)
Can the Bears figure out a way to unleash gamebreaker DeSean Jackson against the Trojans? Can USC clear the toughest of three conference road hurdles?...

...UCLA at USC (Dec. 1)
The Bruins pushed around their crosstown rivals and knocked the Trojans out of a possible BCS title game last season. Think John David Booty and Pete Carroll remember?...

Garratt and USC Trojans eye run at national title - Tahoe Daily News
Former South Tahoe High School linebacker Nick Garratt, entering his third year at USC, knows the target will be on the Trojans' backs whenever they take the field this season. He wouldn't want it any other way.

Garratt, a former walk-on, is excited about playing on the college football team that most experts predict will end up winning the national championship game in New Orleans next January.

"Everyone will be shooting for us," Garratt said about his Trojans, who will attempt to play in their third national championship game in four years. "We're excited about the schedule, especially going to Notre Dame and Nebraska."...