News and notes from Thursday's closed practice ...
Steve Sarkisian said he and the staff would meet later today to decide which other freshmen might play this season. Thirteen true freshman appeared in the season opener. He said there's one player for sure they'll discuss and maybe a second. He wouldn't name names but my best guess is that Ykili Ross is the first player.
(I think the second is John Houston Jr., but it wouldn't surprise me if it was Isaiah Langley either. Whereas Houston figures to compete with Uchenna Nwosu for a starting job next season, Langley, who's practiced really well, projects to be a reserve behind Adoree' Jackson and Biggie Marshall/Jonathan Lockett. There might be more urgency to get Houston ready sooner.)
Sarkisian expects a significant improvement from both Porter Gustin and Marvell Tell from Week 1 to Week 2. He felt like both were thinking a bit too much and wants them to let go and just play.
He reiterated that, barring an injury elsewhere, Toa Lobendahn will be stationed at guard. But he also intimated that if there was a hole at center or tackle, they won't hesitate to move Lobendahn there.
Sarkisian said some of the byproducts of a bigger freshman class, particularly one with this much promise, has been more competition on special teams and better preparedness from the newcomers. They know they have to make the most of what might be limited opportunities.
He feels like this year's team has done a better job of buying into a team-first mentality. It didn't necessarily sound like a knock on last year's squad as he expected that it would take a full year of him building the culture to his liking for this to happen.
Sarkisian sounded dissatisfied with the production among the kickers and punters.
He's been impressed with how hard Jalen Greene has worked to become a receiver. Greene is able to play both outside positions and the slot. He also has proven to be physical, an able blocker and good at breaking tackles. Sarkisian believes this experience could make him a better quarterback and noted that there will be a decision made at some point about whether he moves back next year. (Remember, Max Browne and Sam Darnold will be the only other scholarship quarterbacks on the roster during spring practice.)
Sarkisian said Damien Mama (knee) and Aca'Cedric Ware (knee) will both play Saturday.
There is no media availability Friday. We'll have Trojan R&R up soon.
Steve Sarkisian said he and the staff would meet later today to decide which other freshmen might play this season. Thirteen true freshman appeared in the season opener. He said there's one player for sure they'll discuss and maybe a second. He wouldn't name names but my best guess is that Ykili Ross is the first player.
(I think the second is John Houston Jr., but it wouldn't surprise me if it was Isaiah Langley either. Whereas Houston figures to compete with Uchenna Nwosu for a starting job next season, Langley, who's practiced really well, projects to be a reserve behind Adoree' Jackson and Biggie Marshall/Jonathan Lockett. There might be more urgency to get Houston ready sooner.)
Sarkisian expects a significant improvement from both Porter Gustin and Marvell Tell from Week 1 to Week 2. He felt like both were thinking a bit too much and wants them to let go and just play.
He reiterated that, barring an injury elsewhere, Toa Lobendahn will be stationed at guard. But he also intimated that if there was a hole at center or tackle, they won't hesitate to move Lobendahn there.
Sarkisian said some of the byproducts of a bigger freshman class, particularly one with this much promise, has been more competition on special teams and better preparedness from the newcomers. They know they have to make the most of what might be limited opportunities.
He feels like this year's team has done a better job of buying into a team-first mentality. It didn't necessarily sound like a knock on last year's squad as he expected that it would take a full year of him building the culture to his liking for this to happen.
Sarkisian sounded dissatisfied with the production among the kickers and punters.
He's been impressed with how hard Jalen Greene has worked to become a receiver. Greene is able to play both outside positions and the slot. He also has proven to be physical, an able blocker and good at breaking tackles. Sarkisian believes this experience could make him a better quarterback and noted that there will be a decision made at some point about whether he moves back next year. (Remember, Max Browne and Sam Darnold will be the only other scholarship quarterbacks on the roster during spring practice.)
Sarkisian said Damien Mama (knee) and Aca'Cedric Ware (knee) will both play Saturday.
There is no media availability Friday. We'll have Trojan R&R up soon.
