Just cleaning up a few things that I had laying around the last few days...

With Camp just a few weeks away we are starting to see a little more chatter on the team. There is a nice write-up by Dan Woike on Rivals outlining some of the story lines that many of us will follow as the season...

The return of the back

Watching Allen Bradford this spring, you can see the motivation ooze every time he gets the ball. The junior running back has epitomized hunger since the first day of summer workouts, when he delivered a profanity-laced speech to his teammates to inspire them during a difficult conditioning drill. Trojan fans have wondered when Bradford would get a serious chance. Something tells me he’ll be tough to ignore if he stays healthy.

I really, really hope that we see a lot from Allen Bradford this season. He has stuck it out and becuase he has been a trooper I would really like to see him a lot of carries this season. We always hear how great he is in camp and/or practice but it never seems to materialize into solid playing time.

I know many fans have not always bought into "the Stable" but it would be nice to Bradford make it into the rotation.

Speaking of Camp, here is the practice schedule leading up to SC's opening game on September 5th. Camp opens on August 8th...

All practices are open to the public and will be on Howard Jones field unless otherwise specified. Please note that the dates and times for all practices are subject to change, so be checking the Blog for the latest info:

Aug. 8 - Practice 3 p.m.
Aug. 9 - Practice 3 p.m.
Aug. 10 - Practice 3 p.m.
Aug. 11 - Practice 3 p.m.
Aug. 12 - Practice 3 p.m.
Aug. 13 - Practice 9 a.m.; Practice 4 p.m. (two-a-day)
Aug. 14 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 15 - Practice 9 a.m.; Practice 4 p.m. (two-a-day)
Aug. 16 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 17 - Practice 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 18 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 19 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 20 - Practice 9 a.m.; Practice 4 p.m. (two-a-day)
Aug. 21 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 22 - Practice 9 a.m.; Practice 3 p.m. (two-a-day)
Aug. 23 - OFF
Aug. 24 - OFF (First day of fall semester)
Aug. 25 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 26 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 27 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 28 - Practice 4:15 p.m.
Aug. 29 - Mock game at 12:30 p.m. (Coliseum)
Aug. 30 - OFF
Aug. 31 - Practice 4 p.m. (Normal game week commences)
Sept. 1 - Practice 4 p.m. (Competition Tuesday)
Sept. 2 - Practice 4 p.m. (Turnover Wednesday)
Sept. 3 - Practice 4 p.m. (No Repeat Thursday)
Sept. 4 - Practice 4:15 p.m. (Review Friday - CLOSED to the public)

Speaking of opening day. USC will honor current military personnel and veterans, along with police officers, fire fighters and EMT's.

Athlon has a nice piece on USC's receiver corps. They rate them #1...

Having one of the most talented receiving corps in the nation should be the perfect remedy for the Trojans as they break in a new quarterback. Whether it’s Aaron Corp, Mitch Mustain or Matt Barkley taking snaps — and all signs point to Corp — the quarterbacks should have no trouble keeping the chains moving this season. Damian Williams capped off an excellent 2008 campaign with 10 catches in the Rose Bowl and placed second on the team with nine touchdown receptions. He is an Athlon second-team preseason All-American who should have excellent rapport with Mustain, his former teammate at both Springdale (Ark.) High School and the University of Arkansas.

It will fun to watch Aaron Corp throw the ball to these guys!

Some are already thinking about the 2010 draft...here are some thoughts on Taylor Mays...

5. FS Taylor Mays, Southern California: At 6-3, 230 pounds with the straight-line speed that has led head coach Pete Carroll to call him the fastest player on the USC roster, it's easy to see why many have invoked the names of legendary Trojans safeties Ronnie Lott, Dennis Smith, Mark Carrier and Troy Polamalu when describing Mays' impact.

Can we get through this season first??

USC Picks up a new commit for 2010!

No player has done more to elevate their stock at the offseason camps and combines than Fontana (CA) Kaiser athlete Anthony Brown. The determined recruit turned heads at nearly every camp on the West Coast, including USC’s Rising Stars Camp, and now he will enter his senior season as a USC commit.

"It was a long journey and I felt like I really earned this one," Brown said. "Everything that USC does is competition and that is my life."

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound athlete showed his competitiveness at the USC Skills Camp, when he switched from playing tailback to defensive back, and was the top performer on the defensive side of the ball.

Brown will be a nice addition!

Finally, here is a great video of USC giving back to the community!