Notes and observations from Wednesday's practice ...
11-on-11 (scout):
Cody Kessler waits for just the perfect amount of time before firing a strike to an open Connor Spears downfield. It was a later-developing play in which Kessler went through a couple reads before going to the tight end.
A moment later, Kessler goes to Darreus Rogers on a crossing route. Rogers was open, but JuJu Smith-Schuster went practically unaccounted for on a streak and ended up in the end zone by himself. JuJu stood in the end zone for an extra few seconds after the play to emphasize the point. It seemed like there was an initiative today to target other players more.
John Plattenburg snuffs out a screen to Jahleel Pinner and holds it for a short gain. For the past two weeks, Plattenburg and Chris Hawkins have practiced just like they've played: superb.
***
Porter Gustin registers a tackle for loss.
Isaiah Langley got extensive reps for the second straight day. He's long and very athletic. He's pretty active with his hands. He probably stands to improve in locating the ball.
Ronald Jones II breaks a long run after getting though the line. You could see him opt for a much bigger stride once he got to the second level of the D.
11-on-11 (team):
Aca'Cedric Ware takes a carry up the middle for some hard-earned yards. Ware seemed to get a few more carries than usual today but he's clearly No. 4 in the pecking order. Something perhaps working against him is Tre Madden runs a lot of the plays Ware would be called upon for. He might just have to bide his time.
Greg Townsend and Delvon Simmons combine to tackle RoJo near the line of scrimmage.
Max Browne rolls to his right and hits Christian Tober. Browne is comfortable rolling to either side and then throwing. I really think USC should have gotten him into the game earlier Saturday, alongside the first-team receivers. He needs game reps.
Olajuwon Tucker stuffs RoJo.
***
Claude Pelon sacks Browne.
Michael Hutchings sacks Kessler, who held on too long.
Kessler throws over the head of Rogers. Neither he nor Browne were particularly sharp today. Don't know that I'd read too too much into it, though.
Kessler hits Tyler Petite just past the linebackers for a big gain. We know Kessler loves the singles and the occasional home run, but I believe these doubles are something that separate the good quarterbacks from the great ones. He has no problem making this throw. It's just a matter of him being willing to.
***
Simmons and Zach Banner each blocked a field goal in the special teams period.
Langley and Marvell Tell had a scary collision, as both their helmets collided while diving to break up a pass to Isaac Whitney. Tell stayed on the field while Langley briefly exited before returning.
Tomorrow's practice, as usual, is closed to the media. We'll have a new "They Said It" up later today. (I was finally able to interview Aca'Cedric Ware. We also have interviews with RoJo, Kessler, Su'a Cravens, Steven Mitchell Jr., Justin Wilcox, Adoree' Jackson and Keith Heyward.)
11-on-11 (scout):
Cody Kessler waits for just the perfect amount of time before firing a strike to an open Connor Spears downfield. It was a later-developing play in which Kessler went through a couple reads before going to the tight end.
A moment later, Kessler goes to Darreus Rogers on a crossing route. Rogers was open, but JuJu Smith-Schuster went practically unaccounted for on a streak and ended up in the end zone by himself. JuJu stood in the end zone for an extra few seconds after the play to emphasize the point. It seemed like there was an initiative today to target other players more.
John Plattenburg snuffs out a screen to Jahleel Pinner and holds it for a short gain. For the past two weeks, Plattenburg and Chris Hawkins have practiced just like they've played: superb.
***
Porter Gustin registers a tackle for loss.
Isaiah Langley got extensive reps for the second straight day. He's long and very athletic. He's pretty active with his hands. He probably stands to improve in locating the ball.
Ronald Jones II breaks a long run after getting though the line. You could see him opt for a much bigger stride once he got to the second level of the D.
11-on-11 (team):
Aca'Cedric Ware takes a carry up the middle for some hard-earned yards. Ware seemed to get a few more carries than usual today but he's clearly No. 4 in the pecking order. Something perhaps working against him is Tre Madden runs a lot of the plays Ware would be called upon for. He might just have to bide his time.
Greg Townsend and Delvon Simmons combine to tackle RoJo near the line of scrimmage.
Max Browne rolls to his right and hits Christian Tober. Browne is comfortable rolling to either side and then throwing. I really think USC should have gotten him into the game earlier Saturday, alongside the first-team receivers. He needs game reps.
Olajuwon Tucker stuffs RoJo.
***
Claude Pelon sacks Browne.
Michael Hutchings sacks Kessler, who held on too long.
Kessler throws over the head of Rogers. Neither he nor Browne were particularly sharp today. Don't know that I'd read too too much into it, though.
Kessler hits Tyler Petite just past the linebackers for a big gain. We know Kessler loves the singles and the occasional home run, but I believe these doubles are something that separate the good quarterbacks from the great ones. He has no problem making this throw. It's just a matter of him being willing to.
***
Simmons and Zach Banner each blocked a field goal in the special teams period.
Langley and Marvell Tell had a scary collision, as both their helmets collided while diving to break up a pass to Isaac Whitney. Tell stayed on the field while Langley briefly exited before returning.
Tomorrow's practice, as usual, is closed to the media. We'll have a new "They Said It" up later today. (I was finally able to interview Aca'Cedric Ware. We also have interviews with RoJo, Kessler, Su'a Cravens, Steven Mitchell Jr., Justin Wilcox, Adoree' Jackson and Keith Heyward.)
