USC held its first player-run practice of the summer Tuesday evening.
Before it began, I briefly caught up with Clay Helton, who informed me he met with junior cornerback Jack Jones this week and came away hopeful that Jones will take care of his academics at a JC over the next year, which would open the door for his return to the Trojans in 2019.
Jones is academically ineligible for 2018. Helton said the plan is for Jones to sit out the upcoming football season and enroll at a community college for the summer, fall and next spring, completing his associate's degree in the process.
Jones, of course, could choose to play football at a JC and nullify redshirting. He also could transfer elsewhere once he's regained his eligibility. Sources have indicated Jones is considering all his options, but it's worth noting that Helton seemed optimistic he'll eventually return. Helton’s certainly leaving the door open for him. (And as we know, it's in his nature to hold out hope for the best.)
Helton also expressed confidence in Jones' potential replacements, noting that redshirt freshmen Greg Johnson and Je'Quari Godfrey are healthy. He likened Jonathan Lockett to Ajene Harris in that he is so bright and can play multiple positions in the backfield. And he’s very encouraged by what he's seeing from Isaiah Langley. He didn't forget to mention the incoming freshmen either. Jones was an asset, but cornerback might be one of the deeper position groups on the team.
Some notes from the PRP:
The hour-long workout commenced with position drills and included 7-on-7 before concluding with a brief team period.
TB Stephen Carr, TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe, TE Erik Krommenhoek, WR Trevon Sidney and OL Andrew Vorhees were not in attendance.
TB Aca'Cedric Ware (foot), TE Josh Falo and WRs Josh Imatorbhebhe and Randall Grimes did not participate.
DT Marlon Tuipulotu did individuals but sat out the team period. DL Jacob Lichtenstein, who missed the second half of spring practice with a knee injury, was also limited.
Dominic Davis has switched positions again, this time from tailback to nickel.
The freshmen enrolling in summer are set to arrive Friday.
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QB Matt Fink took the majority of first-team reps.
Toa Lobendahn, who was held out of team drills in spring as a precaution, was the first-team center.
Clayton Johnston and Austin Jackson shared first-team reps, with Johnston going first. Alijah-Vera Tucker claimed first-team reps at right guard.
Jordan Iosefa, who missed the end of spring after undergoing a minor knee surgery, was the first-team strong-side linebacker.
Ykili Ross was the first-team strong safety. Langley was the first-team corner opposite Biggie Marshall. (I believe Langley has the inside track here.) Lockett primarily worked at nickel, behind Ajene.
There were no other notable changes with the first team on either side.
The front four on the second team sometimes featured Liam Jimmons and Jay Tufele inside, with Hunter Echols and Kana'i Mauga as the outside linebackers.
Highlights:
Fink completed a couple really nice throws, including a sharp pass up the seam to Velus Jones. Fink appeared thicker to me in his upper body. He's filling out.
Jack Sears connected with Tyler Vaughns over the top for a long gain. He threw an even better ball beyond the reach of two defenders downfield to Keyshawn Young, only Young couldn't hang on for the would-be touchdown in the corner of the end zone. Safe to say both QBs had a positive opening PRP.
Both Vaughns and Michael Pittman looked dominant at times, with the latter basically having his way with whomever lined up across from him. I know Pittman has been working this offseason with Curtis Conway, who's stressed reading defenders and their tendencies. Pittman has also placed extra emphasis on his conditioning. I thought Vaughns looked a bit quicker. No pads, of course, so we'll see.
As an aside, I learned Pittman and Tyler Vaughns have organized regular throwing sessions with the three scholarship quarterbacks (yes, that includes J.T. Daniels) for more than a month now. A source told us some in the program already feel Daniels is "ready" to compete for the starting job right away.
The defensive backfield had its moments, too. Marvell Tell looks to be in impeccable shape and is moving really well. Biggie had a great pass break-up that was nearly an interception. Freshman safety Talanoa Hufanga deflected a pass and stopped Velus in the backfield on a reverse. (If you're scoring at home, this play doesn't work in games, practices or even PRPs). Hufanga, meanwhile, continues to impress. Wherever the play is, he's always there.
Until next time...
