News from Friday's morning practice ...
Justin Davis (hamstring), Viane Talamaivao (hamstring), Noah Jefferson (elbow) did not practice. John Plattenburg (hip) did individuals. Quinton Powell, who has not practiced the past few days, has been out with a concussion. Jefferson might return as soon as Monday.
Steve Sarkisian said he's not concerned about Davis.
"I just want him healthy. When you have a hamstring, the last thing you want is that thing lingering into mid-September. i just want to get him healthy. I want that thing 100 percent strong, feeling good. Same (with) Viane. I just don't want those things to linger because they can if you come back too soon. It can nag and then he's dealing with it all season long. I'd rather him get healthy. We're in a luxury right now that we have scholarship tailback and fullbacks that we didn't have a year ago. We don't have to rush him back. He's chomping at the bit. He wants to be out here. But he's doing his tests, he's not coming back 100 percent yet, so we're going to hold him out."
There was no update on Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick.
Chad Wheeler continues to take more reps and looks like he'll be cleared for full contact soon.
Coach Bob Connelly had high praise for Toa Lobendahn, who spent a good chunk of practice working as the second-team center. He's practiced at three different positions in six practices. Interestingly, none of them have been left guard, his primary home in 2014.
Khaliel Rodgers worked with the first-team at right guard. Jordan Austin got some second-team work at left tackle. Clayton Johnston worked at right tackle instead of left tackle.
Kenny Bigelow practiced with the first team at defensive end.
Tre Madden did not partake in team drills, this after the team had Thursday off and Madden lightly participated in team drills Wednesday.
Lamar Dawson was slow to get up following the final play of practice but appeared to be fine.
The Trojans were in full pads again. They will hold a closed practice in which media cannot attend this evening. Saturday's practice at 2:30 p.m. is open to all.
Justin Davis (hamstring), Viane Talamaivao (hamstring), Noah Jefferson (elbow) did not practice. John Plattenburg (hip) did individuals. Quinton Powell, who has not practiced the past few days, has been out with a concussion. Jefferson might return as soon as Monday.
Steve Sarkisian said he's not concerned about Davis.
"I just want him healthy. When you have a hamstring, the last thing you want is that thing lingering into mid-September. i just want to get him healthy. I want that thing 100 percent strong, feeling good. Same (with) Viane. I just don't want those things to linger because they can if you come back too soon. It can nag and then he's dealing with it all season long. I'd rather him get healthy. We're in a luxury right now that we have scholarship tailback and fullbacks that we didn't have a year ago. We don't have to rush him back. He's chomping at the bit. He wants to be out here. But he's doing his tests, he's not coming back 100 percent yet, so we're going to hold him out."
There was no update on Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick.
Chad Wheeler continues to take more reps and looks like he'll be cleared for full contact soon.
Coach Bob Connelly had high praise for Toa Lobendahn, who spent a good chunk of practice working as the second-team center. He's practiced at three different positions in six practices. Interestingly, none of them have been left guard, his primary home in 2014.
Khaliel Rodgers worked with the first-team at right guard. Jordan Austin got some second-team work at left tackle. Clayton Johnston worked at right tackle instead of left tackle.
Kenny Bigelow practiced with the first team at defensive end.
Tre Madden did not partake in team drills, this after the team had Thursday off and Madden lightly participated in team drills Wednesday.
Lamar Dawson was slow to get up following the final play of practice but appeared to be fine.
The Trojans were in full pads again. They will hold a closed practice in which media cannot attend this evening. Saturday's practice at 2:30 p.m. is open to all.
