USC spent the entire week in pads, including its last two practices in full pads. It made for better competition, of course. We also got a better idea of how far along some players really are.
Here are my choices for the top performers from Week 2:
QB: Jack Sears -- very instinctive; becoming more efficient; striking a good balance between smart and aggressive
TB: Aca’Cedric Ware -- reliable; physical; stronger after bulking up
WR: Tyler Vaughns -- fundamentally sound; constantly getting open, finding crevices
TE: Tyler Petite -- competition has been quiet here
OL: Andrew Vorhees -- excelling in 1-on-1s; improved pad level
DL: Christian Rector -- savvy pass rusher; plays bigger than he is
LB: Jordan Iosefa -- playing the run well; crafty
CB: Ajene Harris -- so smart; so aware
S: Bubba Bolden -- stout against the run; learning to dissect plays
Newcomer of the week: S Talanoa Hufanga -- fast; perceptive; covers a lot of ground
Here are my choices for the top performers from Week 2:
QB: Jack Sears -- very instinctive; becoming more efficient; striking a good balance between smart and aggressive
TB: Aca’Cedric Ware -- reliable; physical; stronger after bulking up
WR: Tyler Vaughns -- fundamentally sound; constantly getting open, finding crevices
TE: Tyler Petite -- competition has been quiet here
OL: Andrew Vorhees -- excelling in 1-on-1s; improved pad level
DL: Christian Rector -- savvy pass rusher; plays bigger than he is
LB: Jordan Iosefa -- playing the run well; crafty
CB: Ajene Harris -- so smart; so aware
S: Bubba Bolden -- stout against the run; learning to dissect plays
Honorable mentions: WR Michael Pittman (just as good after the catch), WR Josh Imatorbhebhe (best week of practice as a Trojan), WR Velus Jones (making plays at wideout and out of the backfield), OL Chuma Edoga (great battles with Gustin), OTs Clayton Johnston and Austin Jackson (close call for starting LT job), DL Jay Tufele (showing up against the run), DT Brandon Pili (learning how to use his body), OLB Hunter Echols (great get off), CB Jonathan Lockett (healthy and hungry), CB Je’Quari Godfrey (getting his hands on the ball), S Isaiah Pola-Mao (nice coverage skills)
Newcomer of the week: S Talanoa Hufanga -- fast; perceptive; covers a lot of ground
Honorable mention: DL Caleb Tremblay (knows how to use his hands)