USC Football News and Notes 12/14 - Emerald Bowl Prep, Team Banquet and C.J. Gable News
by Paragon SC on Dec 14, 2009 7:00 AM PST
in USC Football
Email
PrintSo, the team is back at it this week as they go into bowl prep.
A couple of interesting story lines are taking shape as the season comes to a close.
I noted yesterday that Safety Josh Pinkard is out for the Emerald Bowl because of a knee injury. That makes things very interesting as Pete Carroll will now be giving us a small glimpse into the future as to what players may have a role in 2010.
With Pinkard out, sophomore T.J. Bryant, who has been the nickel back, probably will start. But redshirt junior Shareece Wright and redshirt freshman Brian Baucham also are in the mix.
Wright, a projected starter, is expected to be available for the game after sitting out the regular season because he was academically ineligible.
Baucham, who was ahead of Bryant coming out of training camp, returned to practice Sunday after missing several weeks because of a foot injury related to a September motorcycle accident.
I am not really sure as to just how effective Wright will be after not playing for almost four months. His loss really became apparent in the second half of the season when SC's defense started to struggle. I was not pleased that Wright did not take his classwork seriously...his not being on the team really changed the dynamic of the defense.
The question I have for everyone is academically eligible does Wright deserve to play or should he wait for spring ball? Wright definitely should not start but should he see some playing time? Playing in a bowl game to me is privilege not a given. I know he is talented but is missing the regular season enough of a punishment? It is a fine line but what is the message that needs to be sent?
T.J. Bryant already has some playing time under his belt but we really have not seen anything of Baucham after his motorcycle accident...will he be game ready?
- - -
Last night USC held their Team Banquet and handed out a number of awards...
Sixth-year senior Jeff Byers was named offensive lineman of the year, while Christian Tupou and Jurrell Casey shared defensive linemen of the year honors. Senior quarterback/wideout Garrett Green was recognized as special teams player of the year. And, for the third consecutive year, Green also won the Howard Jones/Football Alumni Club Academic Award for having the highest GPA on the team.
The night wasn't lacking thrills. Cedric the Entertainer performed standup comedy and linebacker Marquis Simmons led a rendition of "Lean on Me" -- along with the tear-jerking presentation of Johnson's award by Jake Olson.
Here's a look at the full list of winners from the 2009 USC football awards ceremony on Sunday night:
- Most Valuable Player: Wideout/punt returner Damian Williams
- Most Inspirational Player: Tailback Stafon Johnson
- Linemen of the year: Center/guard Jeff Byers (offense); defensive tackles Christian Tupou and Jurrell Casey (defense)
- Special teams player of the year: Quarterback/wideout Garrett Green
- Service team players of the year: Center Michael Reardon (offense); linebacker Marquis Simmons (defense)
- Player of the game versus Notre Dame: Tight end Anthony McCoy
- Player of the game versus UCLA: Tailback Allen Bradford
- Jack Oakie "Rise and Shine" Award (year's biggest hit): Safety Taylor Mays
- Howard Jones/Football Alumni Club Academic Award: Quarterback/wideout Garrett Green
- Bob Chandler Award (underclassman with outstanding athletic ability, academic achievement and character): Defensive tackle Christian Tupou
- John McKay Award (underclassman with the most competitive spirit): Linebacker Devon Kennard
- Courage Award: Cornerback Josh Pinkard
- Co-Lifters Award: Offensive lineman Jeff Byers, safety Will Harris, safety Taylor Mays
- Recognition of the 22 graduating seniors
The awards for Stafon Johnson, Garrett Green and Damian Williams are no surprise.
Garrett Green has been cleared to hold on placements despite a torn ACL in his right knee.
How cool is that! He definitely deserves it. He has probably been the most under the radar player on this team over the past few seasons. It sucks that he won't have a bigger role on kick returns like he has had but at least he will get a chance to have a hand in his final game as a Trojan.
- - -
So, what about C.J. Gable?
No player has been as much as an enigma as Gable has during his time at USC.
He had the hot hand before going out with an abdominal injury and he had a pretty good season in 2008 until he saw the bench after putting the ball on the turf against ucla and Penn St. At times his attitude has been questioned in the press but that is hard to really know. He made some statements in the past that probably put him in the doghouse but this season he has been completely off the radar.
Last season there were some rumblings that he might go pro but he stuck it out...
But with the season almost over the questions are now being asked...will he stay or will he go?
Gable is one of several draft-eligible Trojans underclassmen who must decide by Jan. 15 whether to go pro or return to school. Unlike many of the others, Gable has played only a bit role this season after being a major contributor a year ago.
Gable started all but one game last season and tied for the team lead with 10 touchdowns. This season the redshirt junior has no starts and just 21 carries as Joe McKnight and Allen Bradford have shared most of the workload.
"It’s been frustrating," Gable said Sunday after USC’s second practice in preparation for the Dec. 26 Emerald Bowl. "Anybody would be frustrated. … Why would you play if you don’t care whether you get in or not?
"I care because I want to play. But I can’t do anything about it but keep on doing what I’m doing, which is work hard and let everybody see what I can do."
Gable made quite an impression Sunday, when, according to USC coach Pete Carroll, "he was the best guy on the field." But being a good practice player — and a good soldier after complaining about playing time last season - hasn’t translated into a greater role during games.
We have heard how great players have performed in practice only to see them disappear when game time comes around so I am not taking Gables strong performance as nothing more than just a snapshot in time.
Personally, I think he goes pro. SC will still have a glut of running backs, four off the top of my head, and that is before LOI Day where SC is in the mix for a couple of more top RB's
Here is a little more for the DN...
After rushing for 617 yards on 107 carries with eight touchdowns last year, Gable has been buried behind Joe McKnight and Allen Bradford in the running back rotation during his redshirt junior season, causing him to contemplate whether he'll return to play for the Trojans in 2010 or explore his value in the NFL draft in April.
"(In the past) I've always been basing my decisions off anger, but now I'm thinking clearly," said Gable, who has seen action in 11 of 12 games, but has rushed for only 98 yards on 12 carries with no scores.
"The most important thing is graduating. I've learned that football isn't everything. There is life after football. It's been difficult, but I just get in a rhythm in practice and I forget that I'm not playing anymore. I don't talk about it unless somebody brings it up."
Gable needs three more classes to graduate, but intends to sit down and talk with coach Pete Carroll following the Dec. 26 Emerald Bowl against Boston College in San Francisco about his future prospects.
"Allen is coming back too, but it also depends on who they might bring in," Gable said. "The only thing I know I'll benefit from by coming back is that I'll graduate. But (this year) they were better than me. The best man won the position."
Gable's mature approach hasn't been lost on Carroll, especially following the Trojans' second practice in as many days since a 21-17 loss to Arizona on Dec. 5.
You know Carroll is going to try and get him stay...but he may be in the same as Mark Sanchez. He can take those three classes and be done next semester so his commitment in my eyes is fulfilled...he has no obligation to stay once he has his degree...
It should be interesting.
9 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Well if he is smart he goes and plays for a D 1aa or D2 school, or if he can transfer to a D-1 where he can do a grad school transfer and play.
This was done 2 years ago by Lon Crugers son leaving ASU and doing Grad school at Unlv. I am not sure if USC has to wave anything but they owe that much to CJ, I am hoping they aren’t that evil that they would stand in his way.
.
by so.cal.native1952 on Dec 14, 2009 7:16 AM PST reply actions
A part of me wants anyone/everyone to bolt if they can or are able?
The deal is this: When Coach Carroll came into the program- he gave EVERYONE a clean slate. If people worked, and worked hard- (stayed eligible!!!!!)- they would have a chance to prove themselves on game day and and on the field without bias. (key word: without bias)
Since that time, and since all that success (both to Carroll’s assistants and Carroll himself)- Carroll and his assistants have thrown that principle out the door. Is it any wonder that since the players aren’t allowed to prove themselves on the field without bias of what they say to the media, that our play hasn’t looked as sharp. Yeah, the play calling from Sark looked a little iffy last year, and this year? We all can agree that Bates didn’t do himself any favors with those retarded draws/screens and end-arounds on 3rd downs, but even still- watching JoMac get pummeled between tackles and caught from behind on his screens and end-arounds has made my knuckles turn white and teeth grind in to white sand!
I’m afraid our head coach believes too much in his own hype, the players do as well- they share some of this burden as well. But, who’s the adult here? The coaches. Who’s supposed to look out for the well-being and success of the team? The coaches. I will say, without hesitation, our coaches have shot themselves in the foot by playing favorites and having doghouses- to the detriment of our team and the psyche of our players. I’m not saying a coach can’t have a doghouse, but a coach should have a short-memory to what vexes him so on certain players. Forgive and forget, is all I’m saying.
These kids choose USC because they know if they play on Saturdays wearing a Trojan uniform that is successful throughout the season, they will become rich and famous by playing on Sundays in the NFL. If, as a coach, you eliminate that and their ability to have a chance to play college ball, you shoot yourself in the foot and soon enough- you won’t get those quality players. Meaning, recruiting will take a hit.
We’ve been in the Top 10 in recruiting for the past 7 years. Look at the recruiting trail right now as we speak. Coach Sark and Coach Holt have us beat, as far as team rating in recruiting in the PAC 10. It’s not rocket science.
"As for being a Raiders fan, I wouldn't wish that fucking shit on anybody." [the venerable OTS at Roll Bama Roll}
+1 and add this
I understand when a coach get mad at a player, but they shouldn’t let it become a grudge at all or they are not doing the job they are paid for. Being a coach I have had problems with kids (players) before, and you discipline them in practice and if they hold up to it you let them play in games. But to carry this out for 1 year + is just to silly and will eventually break down the team, this also happens if you ignore discipline someone. Maybe this is why this team fell off this year?
.
by so.cal.native1952 on Dec 14, 2009 8:02 AM PST up reply actions
+2 CJ = Vidal
Another excellent player run off by mismanagement from the coaches. Despite being listed as a co-starter on the depth chart, being called the team’s “best all-around back” by the coaches, and having an impressive highlight reel from his career (18 starts, 15 TDs, approx 20 +20 yd plays), CJ never saw the field for critical carries EVEN when Joe Mc and Allen were hobbled. A few times, Tyler and Moody got carries before CJ.
No one will convince me that giving CJ 1/3 of Joe Mc’s series of playing time this year would not have benefited the team. He is an excellent blocker, receiver, and physical speed runner with great moves.
CJ has enough “tape” for the NFL. He should do very well at the combine. And, it should be easy for him to come back and pick up those 3 classes for graduation. An NFL RBs career is very short, CJ. You will get drafted and you will make a team. Go pro now. Don’t believe the coaches.
yup yup!
So, what about Vidal? He’s now gotta coach that’s bolted to The Fighting Rash JUST when he becomes eligible to play next year! Man, that’s sour sauce!
"As for being a Raiders fan, I wouldn't wish that fucking shit on anybody." [the venerable OTS at Roll Bama Roll}
by BixBeiderbecke on Dec 14, 2009 9:17 AM PST up reply actions
I'm not so sure that's why the team fell off this year, but. . .
. . . .there is something to be said about the whole “coach favorite/doghouse” polemic that:
1. I believe it ‘tightens’ the individual players performance (i.e. “Gotta hold on to the ball or coach is gonna yank me!”, “Better not get too cute or coach is gonna yank me!”, all these thoughts of “. . . .or coach is gonna yank me!” will get to you. I’ve played, I know this to be true. And I’ve played for asshats who carry on with this “favorite/doghouse” mentality)
2. It effects morale to the 10th degree, knowing your coach doesn’t like you afterall and prefers others over you despite the fact that your potential, performance, and hard-work is superior to those that are starting.
There’s more, but I’ll leave it at that. (thanks for the props SoCal, it means a lot to me as I know you’ve “been there” and are currently coaching/mentoring athletes)
"As for being a Raiders fan, I wouldn't wish that fucking shit on anybody." [the venerable OTS at Roll Bama Roll}
by BixBeiderbecke on Dec 14, 2009 9:12 AM PST up reply actions
Good one on that "ignore discipline" part!
I just caught that.
Our penalties – be it on the O and D lines, late hits, head-hunting hits, etc- penalize those people. Don’t let ‘em in on a series or what not. Don’t bench them for extended periods of time, unless they don’t improve in that area.
What we don’t want is a ‘Raider mentality’ of loose guns. This coming from a hardcore Oakland fan. (man, it’s hard to be happy for your team sometimes. i already have it with one team, i sure as hell would hate it for my Trojans)
"As for being a Raiders fan, I wouldn't wish that fucking shit on anybody." [the venerable OTS at Roll Bama Roll}
by BixBeiderbecke on Dec 14, 2009 9:53 AM PST up reply actions
Yah and look at Kevin O sits Lewis for rest of game to show him whats going on.
But he doesn’t hold it against him and starts him in next contest, now that is coaching.
.
by so.cal.native1952 on Dec 14, 2009 9:59 AM PST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Conquest Chronicles
Related FanShots on Conquest Chronicles
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
