Conquest Chronicles: FanPosts

The Wild Ride for Eddie Vanderdoes Appears to be Over...

2013-06-08T19:49:49Z

We all know the story about Eddie Vanderdoes, he was once a commit to USC, then officially committed to Notre Dame, and now he's going to UCLA. Now I know that it happens often that a player switches around before finding the right place, but the ride has been quite different for the 18 year old Vanderdoes.

Eddie is a monster defensive tackle who weighs in at 310lbs and stands at 6-3, and he was the top player at his position in the nation and ranked tenth out of all players. He was one of the most sought after players in the country, just go and check out his profile on ESPN and you will see that basically every top program in the nation wanted him. When he verbally committed to USC, in early July, he was thought of as a for sure lock and he would never decommit, boy were we wrong. He was even a potential early entrance athlete, but those plans stopped when he decommited from the Trojans in early December. He stated that USC had done nothing wrong and that they were still highly considered, but Notre Dame was on a hot streak both playing and recruiting and he had a visit coming up. Finally on National Signing Day he broke the hearts of Trojans everywhere by signing with rival Notre dame

The addition of Eddie Vanderdoes gave Notre Dame arguably one of the best recruiting classes in 2013. We can all see why Eddie chose Notre Dame despite losing a National Championship. Notre Dame had a lot coming back on defense despite the loss of Manti Te'o and a strong defensive team would obviously be more appealing than lackluster performance the USC defense had. Notre Dame also appeared to be a rising program after remarkably making it to the National Championship (I'll never know how that happened....) and USC was coming off the biggest let down in college football history. Happy Ending right? Wrong. Earlier this month it was reported the Vanderdoes was second guessing his decision on Notre Dame, and it was reported earlier this week he would no longer attend Notre Dame and will attend UCLA this fall. Notre Dame refused to release Vanderdoes from his letter of intent so he can not play football this fall. He will be able to practice with the team and take classes at the school but he can't officially play. With Notre Dame refusing to release the letter of intent Vanderdoes loses this year of eligibility and it will be as if he played this fall.

The wild ride for Eddie Vanderdoes seems to be finally over unless he changes his mind yet again. I would call this a betrayal to USC fans since he left us to be BOTH an Irish and a Bruin but he obviously doesn't deserve to be one of us.How can you possibly once call your self a USC Trojan only to eventually join Notre Dame and UCLA? Seriously! Eddie Vanderdoes has huge potential and UCLA got a big pick up with him and I wish him luck for the future, but he will never hear cheers from USC fans.

Top Five Reasons Why USC Should Be America's College Football Team

2013-06-07T01:12:31Z

Bumped...

What makes the Dallas Cowboys "America's Team"? Historically, these Little Orphan Annies rose from 1960s hard-knock expansion to Daddy Warbucks' Super Bowl darlings and the country ate them up like slap-ya-mama cookies. They have won one playoff game since hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in 1996 and people are still stuffing their faces with what they're hoping is fudge.

Nonetheless, the title has stood the test of time, though franchises such as the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers wrestle the Boys for it with valiancy and validity. Regardless of its owner, "America's Team" is the sport of football's Manifest Destiny.

As far as college is concerned, fandom is too widespread based on each individual's loyalty to their respective alma mater to seamlessly appoint the "Nation's Team". While the NFL's versatile criterion including loving to hate them (or vice versa), a team's "poster child" status, and perennial or underdog successes can easily be applied, the NCAA presents such a juxtaposing culture that the title may or may not rightfully adhere to the so-to-speak minor league.

Of course, supposing it does, one program is prepared to make a subjectively strong argument, and considering how this won't be found on the Wyoming Cowboys' blog, you can deduct who is hypothetically fighting on about it. Here are five reasons why:

1) USC represents Los Angeles, the most prestigious U.S. city lacking a professional franchise, and fans will still metaphorically risk their lives supporting the Raiders over FUCLA.

2) USC certainly behaves like an NFL team, from free agent acquisitions (Silas Redd last season, Delvon Simmons this past Wednesday, and subdues rumors encircling Everett Golson) to sanctioned Reggie Bush-league scandal.

3) The Spirit of Troy is undeniably distinguishable: the emulated ancestry of Tommy Trojan; the cardinal n' gold flowing through the student body's undying devotion; the actual band's IMDB merits; the sequestered reality that South Carolina yearns to be them, making SCAR a monkey's uncle.

4) USC is a star-studded hot tub of talent both on and off the field, and soon the gridiron and sideline could each sport a Snoop Doggy Dogg.

5) Whether we're competent or irrelevant in any given season, people still waste precious energy despising Arrogant Nation.

Sounding familiar, Jerry Jones?

Follow the developments of the Italian Trojan's "Nation's Team" bracket here.

Bumped...

1) USC represents Los Angeles, the most prestigious U.S. city lacking a professional franchise, and fans will still metaphorically risk their lives supporting the Raiders over FUCLA.

4) USC is a star-studded hot tub of talent both on and off the field, and soon the gridiron and sideline could each sport a Snoop Doggy Dogg.

5) Whether we're competent or irrelevant in any given season, people still waste precious energy despising Arrogant Nation.

Sounding familiar, Jerry Jones?

Follow the developments of the Italian Trojan's "Nation's Team" bracket here.

Poll

Mafia Hit Poll: Who is "America's [College Football] Team" in this hypothetical Rose Bowl?

USC

35 votes

Nebraska

9 votes

44 votes | Poll has closed

SoCal's Steve Smith Skedaddles

2013-05-30T04:44:48Z

Mike Williams is a Toronto Argonaut. Anthony McCoy tore his Achilles. Keyshawn Johnson lost to Justin Bieber in the 40-yard high-speed chase. Mike Williams is a Toronto Argonaut.

Needless to say, it has not been the most stellar week for the reputation of former USC pass-catchers. Time will tell if Steve Smith's retirement is a positive aberration from this tragic rule of three and a light shed on Southern California's educational merit, or yet another fallen horse and an umpteenth "in addition to" footnote in his interjected career.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Smith's retirement this Wednesday evening due to years of nagging knee injuries, nearly two months after signing him as a free agent. A 2006 All-American back when the Pac-12 was two programs lighter, the New York Giants' 2007 second-round pick is most widely known for his 2009 Pro Bowl campaign - 1,220 yards and seven touchdowns off of a franchise-record 107 receptions (second in the league to to Wes Welker's 123). He lasted six short seasons.

He was as prima donna as a small but smart slot man, precise route runner, and playmaking possession receiver ever needed to be. He was Welker (albeit slower) with a Super Bowl ring as a rookie and minus the Championship drops, but without the New England prestige despite suiting up for the Big Apple Blue. While rarely being given the opportunity to even think about stabbing the field or salsa dancing as a true No. 1 receiver, as he was always technically surpassed on the depth chart by the likes of eventual bust Dwayne Jarrett or an elderly Amani Toomer, his Trojans MVP (2006) and BBI Giant of the Year (2009) awards softly yet notably exemplified his appreciated value and likability.

Nevertheless, my brother and I assuredly aren't the only ones who exclaimed "Carolina?!" upon initially hearing the news.

Unfortunately, the other Steve Smith was never able to stand out or the make the lasting household impression that his flashes of displayed potential and services - statistically and intangibly - suggested he should have. It's hardly his fault, and he briefly deserved it.

Surely he was adored and apprehended by his acquired fan bases, but more casually throughout the nation he was the fifth-most recalled Steve Smith, after the Panthers' future fringe Hall of Fame candidate at the same position, Stan's son in American Dad, 90s NBA journeyman, and that generic guy you assume you've known at some point in your life because his name is Steve Smith. Seriously, it's one thing to boldly latch on to the surname, but at least J.K. Rowling had the right idea in regards to "Zacharias" or "Hepzibah", the bloody Hufflepuffs.

Then there's the teams he played for. USC's aerial attack constantly spits wide receivers into the NFL like orange wedges you find in the cafeteria's macaroni and cheese, and therefore they mesh together in a cardinal n gold hot tub. Eli Manning developed him into a favorite third-down target in 2008, but the fiscal G-Men wrung out all they required from Smith by the 2011 offseason when they moved on to Hakeem Nicks and company.

Add on the plague of knee injuries that limited him to nine games in 2010, nine games with the Philadelphia Eagles under a measly one-year $2 million contract, and zero appearances as a member of the St. Louis Rams in 2012, and Steve Smith never had an honest chance.

Of course, this is just a heartbreaking loss in the realms of the gridiron. The man is merely 28 years old, and he is preserving his remaining health for the many years he still has before him.

This is the smartest a USC football alumni has seemed in a very long time. Knock on wood as far as him reverting to drugs, bounties, boosters, or stalking down neighborhood pop stars that everyone else loves more than him.

Not as a Trojan and childhood Giants follower, but as a football fan, his contributions on and off the field to highly-ranked USC squads and February upset specials shall stand out in my compulsive and spiteful memory, and in comparison to all the other Steve Smiths.

Then again, American Dad is underrated.

Mike Williams is a Toronto Argonaut. Anthony McCoy tore his Achilles. Keyshawn Johnson lost to Justin Bieber in the 40-yard high-speed chase. Mike Williams is a Toronto Argonaut.

Nevertheless, my brother and I assuredly aren't the only ones who exclaimed "Carolina?!" upon initially hearing the news.

Of course, this is just a heartbreaking loss in the realms of the gridiron. The man is merely 28 years old, and he is preserving his remaining health for the many years he still has before him.

Then again, American Dad is underrated.

NFL Preseason All-Trojans

2013-05-20T04:45:37Z

"My name is Patrick and I weigh 89 pounds."

That is how my eight-year-old brother introduces himself to strangers, as if he's slating in a video audition to be a USC walk-on (or Song Girl). Of course, he uses his "Breakfast of Champions" Doritos diet and shameless Pop Warner vitals to pick up older women that are barely heavier than him. Off of the eye test alone, that is certainly a Trojan in the making.

In fact, his premature scouting report might already be enough to project 89-pound Patrick as a Southern Californian first-round disappointment or fourth-round steal. Hell, a year removed from my commencement, Rex Ryan would start even me ahead of Tim Tebow.

Hyperbole is a word I learned in college, but based on the fermenting reputation of USC football as an arrogant gene hot tub that fails to cash in on lofty expectations at the professional level, alumni are profiled to the opposite extreme. The perennial Pro Bowlers of the league are seen in fuzzy gray reception as opposed to their cardinal n' gold bubble wrap, and are almost forgotten.

Personally, I don't see how we can possibly remember anything else, but let it be known that there are a few fertile swimmers that were able to Marco-Polo their way away from McClintock Ave.

The Italian Trojan is clearly bored during the offseason - I have a college degree and I watched 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea today for absolutely no reason. In hopes of restoring the notoriety of my community, here is the NFL's All-USC depth chart in anticipation of the 2013 season:

Quarterback - Carson Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) As the No. 1 overall pick in 2003, Palmer has left much to be desired. As the predecessor of Matt Leinart and Mark Sanchez, he is the godchild of George Lucas and John Wayne.

From initially revitalizing the Cincinnati Bengals from the bungle bunker to contention for first-round playoff exits (and both legacies could be drastically different minus a wild-card knee injury in 2006), to his dead silent 4,018 passing yards for the Oakland Raiders last year (which is 3,018 passing yards by Ancient Roman standards), at least Palmer can throw the football for occasional forward progress

Upon his relocation to Arizona, we'll see whether Palmer will emulate the twilight years of Kurt Warner, or...Matt Leinart.

Running Back - Reggie Bush (Detroit Lions) Despite hardly living up to his No. 2 status, the all-purpose playmaker has evolved from a flashy punt returner and slot receiver in New Orleans to a back who actually integrated between-the-tackles gains en route to 2,072 rushing yards in his last two Miami seasons.

Moreover, Bush finally found a home where he can efficiently run as though from the cops. This tall glass of method acting is sponsored in part by USC SODA.

Fullback - Stanley Havili (Indianapolis Colts) In college he was a reliable option in the flat on third down or sure-handed on a triple option call, and hopefully Havili will continually earn opportunities to showcase athleticism and spry leadership in a youthful locker room. He never wanted to be mean - he wanted to be a dancer! Yes, I was the awkward non-stalker freshman that shared a Modern class with him.

Wide Receivers - Steve Smith (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Damian Williams (Tennessee Titans) Smith produced his one-hit wonder in 2009 (16 starts, 107 receptions, 1,220 yards, and 7 touchdowns) before injuries and fiscal New York ownership sent him packing into oblivion. Williams, meanwhile, was a polished and highly touted prospect in 2010, but his quickness hasn't pushed him past the likes of Kenny Britt, Nate Washington, or Kendall Wright.

Marqise Lee seriously couldn't arrive too soon.

Tight End - Anthony McCoy (Seattle Seahawks) Statistically, Fred Davis posts the more lucrative resume, and has failed drug tests more recently. As 2012 developed, however, glimpses of McCoy's potential behind Zach Miller and chemistry with Russell Wilson were exemplified. Plus, although I haven't asked him yet, I'm assuming Pete Carroll will be coaching this team, and he'll prefer his fellow Seahawks.

Offensive Tackles - Matt Kalil (Minnesota Vikings) and Tyron Smith (Dallas Cowboys) Two rising bookend mainstays in this league. The senior edition of Matt Barkley and an eventually separated shoulder can vouch for that.

Offensive Guards - Chilo Rachal (Arizona Cardinals) and Alex Parsons (Oakland Raiders) They grade you on participation, and these guys were the only choices at their position, otherwise an offensive lineman formerly from the Chicago Bears would be nowhere near a fantasy roster.

Center - Ryan Kalil (Carolina Panthers) I wonder which Kalil brother was the center of attention throughout their childhoods. That joke still wasn't as weak as Ryan's Super Bowl guarantees.

Defensive Ends - Um...can they just employ a 5-2 scheme? Armond Armstead? Frostee Rucker? Are these frozen yogurt joints on Figueroa?

I suppose Minnesota Vikings teammates Everson Griffen and Lawrence Jackson will suffice. Matt Cassel's jacuzzi is nothing to rave about, so I'll make room for them on this party boat.

Defensive Tackles - Jurrell Casey (Tennessee Titans) and Mike Patterson (New York Giants) They're tenured and serviceable veterans (Patterson being the tenured and Casey being the serviceable) more so than DaJohn Harris and Christian Tupou. Free agent Sedrick Ellis, by the way, is an underrated bust of a top ten pick.

The linebackers will compensate for this defensive line coated in UCLA.

Linebackers - Nick Perry (Green Bay Packers), Rey Maualuga (Cincinnati Bengals), Brian Cushing (Houston Texans), Clay Matthews (Green Bay Packers), and Keith Rivers (New York Giants) We have the 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year with an asterisk, an ascending captain of the Jungle, a Discount Double Check disciple and his mentee, and the prototypical burnout turned Giants rotation filler.

Cornerbacks - Terrell Thomas (New York Giants) and Shareece Wright (San Diego Chargers) With Thomas spending the last two seasons on IR, I'm surprised undrafted rookie Nickell Robey hasn't yet lapped him in games played.

Safeties - Taylor Mays (Cincinnati Bengals) and Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh Steelers) One of them is a future Hall of Famer with multiple Super Bowl rings, Head & Shoulders commercials, and a survived Madden Cover. The other one is Taylor Mays.

Kicker - David Buehler (New York Giants) The powerful specialist was supplanted by Dan Bailey after an inconsistent 24-of-32 in 2010, thereby allowing Ferris to take numerous days off.

Punter - BIG BALLS PETE! USC does not punt. USC goes for the two-point conversion on fourth-and-29. We don't kick field goals or extra points, either, so Buehler...Buehler? Hmm, I guess he already left.

Kick Returner - Joe McKnight (New York Jets) McKnight's role in this league has been defined by his 2,274 total return yards in three years, and how he's the only person in the universe to record less offensive snaps than Tebow. The likes of Robert Woods and Ronald Johnson will have to kill him to take THIS spot from him.

If only they were all Patrick and 89 pounds.

"My name is Patrick and I weigh 89 pounds."

Personally, I don't see how we can possibly remember anything else, but let it be known that there are a few fertile swimmers that were able to Marco-Polo their way away from McClintock Ave.

Upon his relocation to Arizona, we'll see whether Palmer will emulate the twilight years of Kurt Warner, or...Matt Leinart.

Moreover, Bush finally found a home where he can efficiently run as though from the cops. This tall glass of method acting is sponsored in part by USC SODA.

Marqise Lee seriously couldn't arrive too soon.

Center - Ryan Kalil (Carolina Panthers) I wonder which Kalil brother was the center of attention throughout their childhoods. That joke still wasn't as weak as Ryan's Super Bowl guarantees.

Defensive Ends - Um...can they just employ a 5-2 scheme? Armond Armstead? Frostee Rucker? Are these frozen yogurt joints on Figueroa?

I suppose Minnesota Vikings teammates Everson Griffen and Lawrence Jackson will suffice. Matt Cassel's jacuzzi is nothing to rave about, so I'll make room for them on this party boat.

The linebackers will compensate for this defensive line coated in UCLA.

Kicker - David Buehler (New York Giants) The powerful specialist was supplanted by Dan Bailey after an inconsistent 24-of-32 in 2010, thereby allowing Ferris to take numerous days off.

If only they were all Patrick and 89 pounds.

Poll

Mafia Hit Poll: Which former USC quarterback will have the WORSE 2013 NFL season (and why are they all named Matt)?

Matt Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles)

1 votes

Matt Cassel (Minnesota Vikings)

3 votes

Matt Leinart (Free Agent)

7 votes

Carson Palmer (Arizona Cardinals)

0 votes

Mark Sanchez (New York Jets)

6 votes

17 votes | Poll has closed

NFL Draft 2014 Mockery: Marqise Lee Sweepstakes

2013-05-11T18:59:42Z

For every Keyshawn Johnson, there is a Mike Williams.

1996 bookmarked the last time a wide receiver has been selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft, and it was Mr. 7-Eleven from the always skeptically wide-open USC campus. Johnson served, at worst, a respectable professional career, but his most bewildering achievement is undoubtedly the appraisal he received from roughly two-thirds of the miserable Hudson-diving Jets fans at Radio City Music Hall. Even still, he only played in New York for three seasons.

A Charles Rogers, Roy Williams, and nearly a decade of defecation later in 2005, the Lions wasted their third and final contraceptive on Mike Williams, the Trojan that swept them out of their panties at Coachella. He "shockingly" went back on his promise to stay with them forever and ever, buck trends or live up to haughty expectations, and Detroit took a pledge of abstinence. Of course, Megatron wasn't too far behind, thus verifying how no one really knows what is going on, and that it's rarely easy being cardinal n' gold these days.

Wide receivers have always been glorified crapshoots in the first round, let alone the top ten. For every Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald, there are Ted Ginn Jr. and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Of course, Heyward-Bey is Jerry Rice in the hot tub of Matt Leinart, Mark Sanchez, and their plentiful other Row-mates.

Regardless of USC's lack of recent NFL success in a vacuum, and despite the inexact science of bipolar Draft stocks, one thing is can't-miss in Marqise Lee's predestined future - unlike Matt Barkley, no more pencils or books after junior year.

Barkley sacrificed millions of dollars and Wikipedia brownie points for the sake of completing his education and chasing an unsanctioned 7-6 record (a decision I still firmly support). A Max Wittek-led 2013 campaign can easily burst the Biletnikoff Awardee's bubble screen yet, but this total prematurely assessed package of quickness, hands, route-running, versatility, and intangible effort is already being cast as a potential Keyshawn Johnson or Mike Williams.

Lee won't repeat the hind-sighted mistake of his former quarterback, and I'll believe he'll be drafted high until he actually plummets to Day Three RoJo status. In the meantime, franchises that have already given up on this season shall begin to line up. That being said, who can we expect to win the upcoming Auction of Troy?

It's never too early to scout in advance. On to the bracket:

AFC West Standings

1) Oakland Raiders - Staying close to home is most often a solid start in recruiting...and I'm referring to Oakland landing a top-three pick.

2) Kansas City Chiefs - In the case that they are in fact bad enough, can Alex Smith (or Andy Reid, for that matter) even handle a target of his caliber?

3) San Diego Chargers - The Bolts haven't gone wideout this early since Craig Davis in 2007 (who survived the league as long as Manti Te'o's girlfriend...sorry bro), but they don't usually need to, nor have they warranted such a luxury lately.

4) Denver Broncos - I suppose there's room for Lee at halfback or tight end...hold on a second, I think I hear Tebow clawing around in the garbage...

NFC West Standings

1) Arizona Cardinals - Unless Carson Palmer is the next Kurt Warner, this division puts them in position for their long overdue Anquan Boldin replacement.

2) Seattle Seahawks

3) San Francisco 49ers

I can't put it past either Pete Carroll or Jim Harbaugh to whimsically trade up in the BCS standings, and my undying perception is that the former's real estate prowess would ultimately prevail.

4) St. Louis Rams - Although Tavon Austin will soon be going halfsies on Hello Kitty bandaids in bulk with Austin Collie, Jeff Fisher shan't go wide receiver two years in a row.

AFC South Standings

1) Jacksonville Jaguars

2) Tennessee Titans

Justin Blackmon and Kenny Britt. That is all for now.

3) Indianapolis Colts - Contrary to 2012's indications, Reggie Wayne's days are in fact numbered, but the sophomore tandem that is LuckStrong shouldn't slump significantly enough.

4) Houston Texans - Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins' Clemson counterpart, is a more likely scenario if they are truly serious about continuing to bolster their receiving corps.

NFC South Standings

1) Carolina Panthers - If newspapers have lost their relevance by then, Lee's arrival and Ryan Kalil's subsequent Super Bowl ad will fix that.

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Marqise Lee and Vincent Jackson would be a potent aerial attack for Josh Freeman and Doug Martin...yeah...not everything I say is cute and funny.

3) Atlanta Falcons - Another Julio Jones is out of the question...right? Are there any draft picks left? Will the deed to the Georgia Dome suffice?

4) New Orleans Saints - "Dear Marqise, We regret to inform you that you do not pose the necessary off-field concerns at this time. Thank you for your interest in our bounty program and we hope you use this rejection as motivation to improve upon your resume apply again in the future. Sincerely, Reggie Bush and Sedrick Ellis".

AFC North Standings

1) Cleveland Browns - Name two pass catchers on this roster and win unlimited EVK meals for a whole semester!

2) Baltimore Ravens - Joe Flacco garnered a $120.6 million contract, and the champs are missing the playoffs. Draft him another receiver.

3) Pittsburgh Steelers - For every Mike Wallace [that can run routes and catch passes], there is Limas Sweed.

4) Cincinnati Bengals - Either the fountain run water still hasn't escaped my system or the Mayans have finally rescheduled their debut tour, because this is a sentence: A.J. Green and the Bungles will be too good.

NFC North Standings

1) Detroit Lions - We're going for best five out of nine by now.

2) Minnesota Vikings - A new and improved Percy Harvin! Hell, maybe he can punt too!

3) Green Bay Packers - If Lee hires agents Jeff Nalley and Eric Burkhardt, then Aaron Rodgers can pitch his rescue efforts near pick No. 24.

4) Chicago Bears - Brandon Marshall would transfer and redshirt at Canada.

AFC East Standings

1) New York Jets - Keyshawn Johnson...Mark Sanchez...ball-hogging diva...butt fumble...Mr. 7-Eleven!

2) Buffalo Bills - A reunion with Robert Woods, plus we're breaking O.J. out.

3) Miami Dolphins - Wallace could revert solely to playing deep threat.

4) New England Patriots - Should Lee suffer an unprecedented fall, I'd deem Bill Belichick the front-running beneficiary...if it weren't for how no one ever knows who or when he's drafting.

NFC East Standings

1) Philadelphia Eagles - Barkley's stock immediately rises, they redo the 2013 Draft, and Chip Kelly does something illegal.

2) Dallas Cowboys

3) Washington Redskins

Two owners in Jerry Jones and Daniel Snyder, respectively, that are impossible to predict - except adequacy in Dallas is predictably impossible, while Washington is busy washing St. Louis' dishes from the RG3 deal.

4) New York Giants - Yes I'm sure, just like Victor Cruz and the G-Men front office will agree to terms any day now.

AFC Playoff Picture

1) New York Jets

2) Oakland Raiders

3) Cleveland Browns

4) Jacksonville Jaguars

5) Buffalo Bills

6) Baltimore Ravens

NFC Playoff Picture

1) Philadelphia Eagles

2) Detroit Lions

3) Carolina Panthers

4) Arizona Cardinals

5) Minnesota Vikings

6) Seattle Seahawks

Wild-Card Round

(5) Minnesota Vikings at (4) Arizona Cardinals - The Purple People Eaters just went all-in on Cordarrelle Patterson, but with Fitz still leading the club, Arizona will settle upon the Michael Floyds of the Big Board before Minnesota is content with, say, Michael Jenkins. Minnesota Vikings

(6) Baltimore Ravens at (3) Cleveland Browns - I giggle every time Cleveland hosts one of these hypothetical postseason match-ups. They've improved enough to just miss out. Baltimore Ravens

(5) Buffalo Bills at (4) Jacksonville Jaguars - Shahid Khan will be too preoccupied managing the Tebow fansite and the clock expires on them. Buffalo Bills

(6) Seattle Seahawks at (3) Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton desperately needs positive contributions both on the field and in the locker room, and Steve Smith would accept the No. 2 role throughout the fading years of his career. Carolina Panthers

Divisional Round

Buffalo Bills at Oakland Raiders - Lee's 40 time would have to be under 4.2. Buffalo Bills

Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles - According to Governor Mark Dayton, Harvin's locker is still too warm and the franchise should stop to Ponder their rude approach as of late. Philadelphia Eagles

Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions - Between Dwayne Jarrett and Keary Colbert, Motown isn't the only bluesy source of USC wide receiver heartbreak ballads (or something correct in regards to music. Detroit Lions

Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets - Ozzie Newsome is elite during Draft weekend, but there's no competing with disciple Rex Ryan and this level of mediocrity. New York Jets

Conference Championships

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles - Such an acquisition would allow Barkley's awkward fit in Coach Kelly's offense to make increasingly better sense, but if they can be persuaded to believing that Lee will be around for another fourth-round steal, then Michael Vick might as well run for president. Detroit Lions

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets - In the midst of Lee's 2012 Heisman candidacy, Woods' numbers indirectly yet assuredly saw a decline, and if Barkley couldn't win with that formula, nothing in the Manuel suggests that E.J. should. New York Jets

Super Bowl (*Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum) - New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions

All signs point to the big rotting apples of Seacaucus securing the No. 1 overall selection by Week 11, meaning that they can draft literally anyone they want...no, not Vinny Testaverde, but barring a Marcus Lattimore-esque fate, Jadeveon Clowney is the superior prospect in this class. Make no mistake, though - the Jets evade another Trojan but Marqise Lee dodges a larger bullet, and it is still harder to be green than cardinal n' gold.

From a Madden Curse layover to Nick Fairley's February Follies (Ryan Kalil got in his ear) and them cutting ties with the Titus touch, the planets are aligned for the Lions and their next Calvin Johnson...or Mike Williams.

For every Keyshawn Johnson, there is a Mike Williams.

It's never too early to scout in advance. On to the bracket:

AFC West Standings

1) Oakland Raiders - Staying close to home is most often a solid start in recruiting...and I'm referring to Oakland landing a top-three pick.

2) Kansas City Chiefs - In the case that they are in fact bad enough, can Alex Smith (or Andy Reid, for that matter) even handle a target of his caliber?

4) Denver Broncos - I suppose there's room for Lee at halfback or tight end...hold on a second, I think I hear Tebow clawing around in the garbage...

NFC West Standings

1) Arizona Cardinals - Unless Carson Palmer is the next Kurt Warner, this division puts them in position for their long overdue Anquan Boldin replacement.

2) Seattle Seahawks

3) San Francisco 49ers

I can't put it past either Pete Carroll or Jim Harbaugh to whimsically trade up in the BCS standings, and my undying perception is that the former's real estate prowess would ultimately prevail.

4) St. Louis Rams - Although Tavon Austin will soon be going halfsies on Hello Kitty bandaids in bulk with Austin Collie, Jeff Fisher shan't go wide receiver two years in a row.

AFC South Standings

1) Jacksonville Jaguars

2) Tennessee Titans

Justin Blackmon and Kenny Britt. That is all for now.

3) Indianapolis Colts - Contrary to 2012's indications, Reggie Wayne's days are in fact numbered, but the sophomore tandem that is LuckStrong shouldn't slump significantly enough.

4) Houston Texans - Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins' Clemson counterpart, is a more likely scenario if they are truly serious about continuing to bolster their receiving corps.

NFC South Standings

1) Carolina Panthers - If newspapers have lost their relevance by then, Lee's arrival and Ryan Kalil's subsequent Super Bowl ad will fix that.

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Marqise Lee and Vincent Jackson would be a potent aerial attack for Josh Freeman and Doug Martin...yeah...not everything I say is cute and funny.

3) Atlanta Falcons - Another Julio Jones is out of the question...right? Are there any draft picks left? Will the deed to the Georgia Dome suffice?

AFC North Standings

1) Cleveland Browns - Name two pass catchers on this roster and win unlimited EVK meals for a whole semester!

2) Baltimore Ravens - Joe Flacco garnered a $120.6 million contract, and the champs are missing the playoffs. Draft him another receiver.

3) Pittsburgh Steelers - For every Mike Wallace [that can run routes and catch passes], there is Limas Sweed.

NFC North Standings

1) Detroit Lions - We're going for best five out of nine by now.

2) Minnesota Vikings - A new and improved Percy Harvin! Hell, maybe he can punt too!

3) Green Bay Packers - If Lee hires agents Jeff Nalley and Eric Burkhardt, then Aaron Rodgers can pitch his rescue efforts near pick No. 24.

4) Chicago Bears - Brandon Marshall would transfer and redshirt at Canada.

AFC East Standings

1) New York Jets - Keyshawn Johnson...Mark Sanchez...ball-hogging diva...butt fumble...Mr. 7-Eleven!

2) Buffalo Bills - A reunion with Robert Woods, plus we're breaking O.J. out.

3) Miami Dolphins - Wallace could revert solely to playing deep threat.

4) New England Patriots - Should Lee suffer an unprecedented fall, I'd deem Bill Belichick the front-running beneficiary...if it weren't for how no one ever knows who or when he's drafting.

NFC East Standings

1) Philadelphia Eagles - Barkley's stock immediately rises, they redo the 2013 Draft, and Chip Kelly does something illegal.

2) Dallas Cowboys

3) Washington Redskins

4) New York Giants - Yes I'm sure, just like Victor Cruz and the G-Men front office will agree to terms any day now.

AFC Playoff Picture

1) New York Jets

2) Oakland Raiders

3) Cleveland Browns

4) Jacksonville Jaguars

5) Buffalo Bills

6) Baltimore Ravens

NFC Playoff Picture

1) Philadelphia Eagles

2) Detroit Lions

3) Carolina Panthers

4) Arizona Cardinals

5) Minnesota Vikings

6) Seattle Seahawks

Wild-Card Round

(6) Baltimore Ravens at (3) Cleveland Browns - I giggle every time Cleveland hosts one of these hypothetical postseason match-ups. They've improved enough to just miss out. Baltimore Ravens

(5) Buffalo Bills at (4) Jacksonville Jaguars - Shahid Khan will be too preoccupied managing the Tebow fansite and the clock expires on them. Buffalo Bills

Divisional Round

Buffalo Bills at Oakland Raiders - Lee's 40 time would have to be under 4.2. Buffalo Bills

Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets - Ozzie Newsome is elite during Draft weekend, but there's no competing with disciple Rex Ryan and this level of mediocrity. New York Jets

Conference Championships

Super Bowl (*Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum) - New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions

Nickell Robey Goes Undrafted-Signs With Bills

2013-04-28T20:03:33Z

Nickell Robey, a USC fan favorite, who declared for the NFL draft went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft. The 5-8 165lbs corner decided to leave USC after getting a favorable review from the NFL Advisory Committee. His decision to come out early surprised many mostly because scouts doubted his success in college would translate to the NFL, and the biggest concern was his small size. Robey was left with out a team after the conclusion of the draft until about one hour later when he signed with the Buffalo Bills. He will join wide receiver Robert Woods as the two Trojans who will become Bills.

Nickell Robey was indubitably one of the most beloved players while he was at USC. It is easy to see why he was so easily loved, despite his small stature he played well above his size. He was known for shutting down wide receivers who were bigger and stronger, and he did exactly that to Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd in 2011. Also he had an eye for the ball, in his three years at USC he totaled seven interceptions. The most memorable was his pick six on Andrew Luck in 2011 and the stadium absolutely erupted. Luck now knows to NEVER throw the venus on a spyder 3 y banana!

It was thought that Robey would make up for his size with his speed, but he did not perform as well as most thought he would at the combine. He ran a 4.53 at the combine which obviously steered teams away because they expected much more. Robey still has great footwork, and great instincts which is something that everyone can agree on as an upside. At Buffalo he has to have the mentality of him against the world. He cannot dwell on the fact that he was not drafted, and he cannot regret leaving USC for the NFL early. No one expects him to amount to much in the NFL they see him as a special teams guy at most, and he has to feed of that criticism. Robey proved he could be a star in college and if he has the same mentality he did in college then he can surprise a lot of people. If the Frostproof, Florida native can make it at USC we should give him the benefit of the doubt in the NFL, we have no reason to doubt him.

App to track Trojans in NFL & NBA

2013-04-19T17:23:03Z

Hey all,

A buddy of mine recently created an app called "Draftpedia" that tracks NBA and NFL draft data, rosters, and statistics from the last 40+ years. It lets you sort the data in a lot of different ways - one way is by college so you can see and track every pro that attended USC in a single list (which then allows you to see year-by-year stats for every player). It should be a great reference tool for sports history and random trivia.

If you're interested, here's the download link for iPhones/iPads (it's free):
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/draf...562159411?mt=8

----------------------------------------------------------

Here's a press release from the Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130417-908281.html?mod=googlenews_wsj):

Draftpedia's iPhone App Launches for All NBA & NFL Draft Fans

SANTA MONICA, CA--(Marketwired - April 17, 2013) - Draftpedia, the only iPhone app with NFL & NBA draft history, is now available free in the App Store. Built exclusively for mobile, Draftpedia has 30+ years of draft history, past team rosters, draft info for every player's alma mater and statistics for every current player.

Roommates David Rabie and Joe Sarafian hatched the idea for Draftpedia on the couch during a Clipper game. Discussing Kenyon Martin's historically poor draft class, Joe asked why consumers had to rely on searching Wikipedia for the answer. "As Gen Y sports enthusiasts, what has driven us this entire time is to build an app that makes our lives easier," said David Rabie, Co-Founder.

"Given the competition, we knew that our edge would come with speed, efficiency and design. We built a database of information that is stored within the app -- eliminating any loading time between screens and allowing the app to function offline," said Co-Founder Joe Sarafian. The information is presented in clear, easy-to-use tables and is all linkable, offering multiple ways for users to navigate within the app.

Launching just in time for the 2013 NFL Draft, Draftpedia is the ultimate reference guide for any sports fan looking for historical data including:

-- 40+ Years of Past Drafts

-- 30 Years of Team Rosters

-- Every Division 1 College's NFL/NBA Alumni

-- Breakdown by Nationality (NBA) and Pick (NFL)

-- Statistics for Every Current Player

"Next time you're debating a player's alma mater or comparing draft classes, Draftpedia is your best solution," said Rabie.

About Draftpedia

Draftpedia consolidates information about past NFL & NBA drafts in a convenient and fast iPhone app. It has every draft year of the modern era, lists of professional players from every D1 College, past rosters for every team and statistics for every current player. Founded in 2012, Draftpedia is based in Santa Monica, CA. For more information, visit www.draftpedia.com.

Hey all,

If you're interested, here's the download link for iPhones/iPads (it's free):
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/draf...562159411?mt=8

----------------------------------------------------------

Here's a press release from the Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130417-908281.html?mod=googlenews_wsj):

Draftpedia's iPhone App Launches for All NBA & NFL Draft Fans

SANTA MONICA, CA--(Marketwired - April 17, 2013) - Draftpedia, the only iPhone app with NFL & NBA draft history, is now available free in the App Store. Built exclusively for mobile, Draftpedia has 30+ years of draft history, past team rosters, draft info for every player's alma mater and statistics for every current player.

Roommates David Rabie and Joe Sarafian hatched the idea for Draftpedia on the couch during a Clipper game. Discussing Kenyon Martin's historically poor draft class, Joe asked why consumers had to rely on searching Wikipedia for the answer. "As Gen Y sports enthusiasts, what has driven us this entire time is to build an app that makes our lives easier," said David Rabie, Co-Founder.

"Given the competition, we knew that our edge would come with speed, efficiency and design. We built a database of information that is stored within the app -- eliminating any loading time between screens and allowing the app to function offline," said Co-Founder Joe Sarafian. The information is presented in clear, easy-to-use tables and is all linkable, offering multiple ways for users to navigate within the app.

Launching just in time for the 2013 NFL Draft, Draftpedia is the ultimate reference guide for any sports fan looking for historical data including:

-- 40+ Years of Past Drafts

-- 30 Years of Team Rosters

-- Every Division 1 College's NFL/NBA Alumni

-- Breakdown by Nationality (NBA) and Pick (NFL)

-- Statistics for Every Current Player

"Next time you're debating a player's alma mater or comparing draft classes, Draftpedia is your best solution," said Rabie.

About Draftpedia

Draftpedia consolidates information about past NFL & NBA drafts in a convenient and fast iPhone app. It has every draft year of the modern era, lists of professional players from every D1 College, past rosters for every team and statistics for every current player. Founded in 2012, Draftpedia is based in Santa Monica, CA. For more information, visit www.draftpedia.com.

NCAA And NFL Need To Collaborate On Punishing Coaching Fugitives Like Pete Carroll & Chip Kelly

2013-04-17T18:12:28Z

Chip Kelly’s football teams played fast on Saturdays and he coached them faster in practice. Unfortunately, Kelly also played it faster and looser with the rules while he was Oregon's head coach.

According to The Oregonian, Kelly was involved in commiting major violations while he was Oregon head coach. As a result of the violations, some of which involved $25,000 payments made to Texas-based scout Willie Lyles, the football program will reportedly self-impose a two-year probation and redact one scholarship each season for the next three years.

More...

Chip Kelly’s football teams played fast on Saturdays and he coached them faster in practice. Unfortunately, Kelly also played it faster and looser with the rules while he was Oregon's head coach.

More...

Oregon says it will enact sanctions on itself for current NCAA cheating

2013-04-17T16:36:51Z

Wow so the bucks decide to give themselves 2 years probation and a big ONE scholarship a year, how nice is that. Reallyyyy Oregon you actually admit to giving 25,000 dollars to a recruiting agent and you feel that is OK, hahahahaha. At USC we didn't give anyone money nor did the school know about the matter, which has been proven over time. But USC gets 2 years and 10 rides a year held against the school, but you feel you should get less and you knowingly did the infraction. REALLLYYYYYYY

Spring Game Notes

2013-04-14T22:06:47Z

As most of you know USC held their Spring game yesterday, and it was one of the most anticipated spring games of the year. With Matt Barkley out, who has been the face of USC football for the past four years, there are now three quarterbacks who are battling for the head of the USC offense. Another big headliner this off-season was USC hired Clancy Pendergast as Defensive Coordinator, and after a terrible defensive showing in 2012 it is safe to say most USC fans are excited about a new era for USC defensively. Another note from this spring is injuries are hitting us hard and it gave an opportunity for other guys to jump up and take reps.

The trio of quarterbacks who competed yesterday were red-shirt sophomores Cody Kessler and Max Wittek along with true freshmen Max Browne. Each rotated series with the cardinal offense and for the most part they played well. Wittek, who started two games last year with Barkley out, was 12-of-17 with 145 yards, with two touchdowns but also two interceptions. His first pick was just thrown up towards Victor Blackwell in double coverage and Demetrius Wright easily jumped in front and got the pick. Wittek looked okay, but he was inconsistent and at times he would just throw the ball up. Cody Kessler looked the best of all the quarterbacks by going 15-of-22 with 242 yards, along with three touchdowns and zero picks. He has already had a great spring, and his performance shows that he is the real deal. He was the most consistent, and made a lot of critics stay quite by putting beautiful touch on deep balls. Max Browne was 7-of-10 with 82 yards, with touchdown and a pick. He shined at moments during this game, but he also showed his inexperience. He was sacked a couple times to many, and he also made some bad decisions. None the less he looked good, and the future is a bright one for him.

The receivers thrived, and Marqise Lee looked like he hasn't slowed down since the end of the season. He had eight catches for 148 yards and a couple touchdowns. The opposite of Lee is sophomore Nelson Agholor who is looking like a great replacement for Robert Woods. He had seven catches for 116 yards and he found the end zone as well. The most impressive was Victor Blackwell who has emerged as the number three receiver and he had seven catches for 155 yards. The three top receivers had a combination of 419 yards so it is safe to say that we are set there.

At the running back position we have been injury prone and it especially hurt with starter Silas Redd out, and D.J. Morgan out and who has experience there. It was also hard to tell how the running backs were doing since Lane Kiffin implemented the no tackle rule for the game. Freshmen Justin Davis, who has emerged this spring as someone who can get a lot of playing time at runningback, looked good and seemed to get most of the attention there. Buck Allen and Tre Madden also got reps there and looked like they are going be our big power backs. We should also note that the defensive line was thriving, and gave the offensive line a lot of trouble. The D-line had 12 sacks total, three coming from Morgan Breslin. Defensive tackle Leonard Williams also had six tackles, and true freshmen Kenny Bigelow also had a good day.

The secondary got most of the criticism as the offensive air attack just ripped them apart. I do not think we should start panicking about that position yet because there were a lot of injuries there. Also they were going against the best receiving corps in college football and most of the secondary have little to no game experience. With more players due to come back from injury and they should all get way better over summer ball.

All in all I think this was a great success for USC. The offense won 42-36 and we all got to forget about the disaster of last season. We saw a lot of bright spots, and we saw what we could work on. USC still has all of summer and fall ball left and we should clean up a lot of the mistakes we made in the game. Lane Kiffin said this about the quarterback competition," I would not imagine a decision coming out of today, a lot of people around the country that are trying to find one really good quarterback...I think we have three." That is great news and lets all get ready in four months for our first game at Hawaii.

Oops!

2013-04-09T02:53:40Z

Remember when I said 'remember when'?

Things are going to hell in handbag across town.

A UCLA freshman water polo player was arrested on suspicion of rape after a female student reported the alleged assault to UCLA campus police, university officials said Monday.

Hakop Jack Kaplanyan, a red shirt freshman who plays the attacker position on the team, is out on $200,000 bail after being taken to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Inmate Reception Center downtown.

People who live in glass houses and all that....

Maybe he can find a mentor in Steve Alford.

Remember when I said 'remember when'?

Things are going to hell in handbag across town.

A UCLA freshman water polo player was arrested on suspicion of rape after a female student reported the alleged assault to UCLA campus police, university officials said Monday.

Hakop Jack Kaplanyan, a red shirt freshman who plays the attacker position on the team, is out on $200,000 bail after being taken to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Inmate Reception Center downtown.

People who live in glass houses and all that....

Maybe he can find a mentor in Steve Alford.

Bye bye Bob Cantú

2013-04-07T08:48:11Z

Andy Enfield doesn't want Bob Cantú on his staff so tis off with his head!

Such is the life of an assistant coach, but Bob spent the past 12 years toiling and learning at USC, and that means a lot. The Women's Basketball Coach is yet to be hired and Coach Cantú has proven he deserves the opportunity. Loyalty is a rare virtue in this day and age, we can only hope Pat Haden can see the the upside in such a tenacioius Trojan. Fight On Bobby!

Andy Enfield doesn't want Bob Cantú on his staff so tis off with his head!

Matt Barkley Private Workout With Arizona Cardinals

2013-04-04T20:13:50Z

Last year Matt Barkley would have certainly been a first round pick maybe a top ten pick, and he would have been put into a position where he would start immediately. Now one year later Barkley is fighting to be a first round pick, and scouts around the league deem him as a backup. As Trojan fans we want Matt to go out their and start right away so we can brag about him, but maybe if he sits back a couple years that will be good for him. He will have a private workout with the Arizona Cardinals and if drafted their he would likely backup Carson Palmer with Drew Stanton.

On Saturday, April 6th, Barkley will have a private workout with the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Southern California. The Cardinals currently have the seventh round draft pick and they will not use that on Matt, but will most likely hope to pick him up in the second or third round if he slips that far. Personally I think this could be a great pick for the Cardinals because Matt can develop and learn from former Trojan Carson Palmer, who is now 33. Palmer will not be there forever and Drew Stanton is not really the prototypical franchise quarterback, and he is now 29. If coach Bruce Arians can get Barkley now he can use the next couple of years to get talent to surround him so when Matt is ready to go he can shine.

Another reason I think this could be perfect for Matt is that we always see a rookie quarterback expected to go out there and be a superstar his first year. Just look at Matt Leinart and Mark Sanchez who went in and were expected to shine, but they have disappointed (Sanchez has struggled despite two AFC Championship appearances). If this happens then it would be a huge change for Matt who has basically been a starting quarterback for eight years in a row from high school to college. This can be a perfect opportunity for Matt to lie low and refine his skills before he is ready to step up.

Enfield's Comments from the full Press Conference

2013-04-04T04:44:12Z

For anyone who didn't take the time to watch the full presser, I decided to capture some of my favorite quotes and share some of my commentary. Please add your own in the comments and I'm interested in hearing everyone else's opinions.

When talking about his player development program:

"This is all about the upperclassmen right now. Our existing roster has to win games next year. And I know we'll bring some freshmen in, but our existing roster has to improve and they're the guys we're gonna rely on! And that's why it's so important we develop that culture and that takes time. The returnees are the cornerstone of your program, and sure you have to bring in some talent for the future and maybe some freshmen who are talented to play, but these guys who I just met with this morning are what I'm focused on and I can't wait to get started."

Enfield clearly has his priorities, and talking points, straight. This is a nicely composed answer that says all the right things; to a point he expects to win with this roster next year, he is focused on our returning players, but he hasn't forgotten about the importance of good recruiting.

On his system, recruiting, and practice:

"Our system is so fast paced and up-tempo, and exciting to play. That's why I think players in this area are gonna be thrilled to come play in this. But... if you wanna play fast you gotta practice fast, and you have to drill each aspect of it. So when you're in transition or you're in a half court, you're going full speed getting by your guy and now it's time to step around a big guy and finish with your left hand you better be able to do it."

This paragraph say's a lot with a little. I really believe at the college level that your success is more determined by player skill sets and decision making. Considering the limits on practice imposed by the NCAA, you get more bang for your buck by focusing on player development and overall team culture rather than installing set offenses. I also appreciate that he dropped the word "drills" in there, I mean is anybody out there as tired as I am of watching our team bungle a simple inbounds play?

On being a "pro":

"[All players] on the court want to be pros. And... that has been my goal ever since I was a college coach. What are you gonna do to make them a pro? All they gotta do is come with a work ethic and they'll be a pro "

Different people might read this differently, but the way I got it is that if players want to nominally be pro athletes then he's going to turn them into true professionals.

On USC and Trojan Alumni:

"The intriguing thing about USC is, it's one of the top academic institutions in the world. The alumni base here is astounding; the USC alumni have been so successful and most of them, a lot of them, still live in this area. It's important for my basketball players to engage not only with the student body, but from an educational standpoint, the alumni."

I like that he takes the alumni into account here. For USC, the alumni are an especially powerful and important aspect of the university relative to a place like FGCU.

On education:

"I think it's important they [student athletes] get a well-rounded college experience. I don't mess around with education. I know what it did for me and I know what it has done for a lot of people. Our students will go to class and we'll give them all the support they need."

Maybe a bit of a token sentiment, but I like that he used the word "students" rather than "student athletes" in that response. It might not mean anything, but I think it gives some insight into how Andy Enfield thinks and what his expectations of his players are.

When talking about his player development program:

"This is all about the upperclassmen right now. Our existing roster has to win games next year. And I know we'll bring some freshmen in, but our existing roster has to improve and they're the guys we're gonna rely on! And that's why it's so important we develop that culture and that takes time. The returnees are the cornerstone of your program, and sure you have to bring in some talent for the future and maybe some freshmen who are talented to play, but these guys who I just met with this morning are what I'm focused on and I can't wait to get started."

On his system, recruiting, and practice:

"Our system is so fast paced and up-tempo, and exciting to play. That's why I think players in this area are gonna be thrilled to come play in this. But... if you wanna play fast you gotta practice fast, and you have to drill each aspect of it. So when you're in transition or you're in a half court, you're going full speed getting by your guy and now it's time to step around a big guy and finish with your left hand you better be able to do it."

On being a "pro":

"[All players] on the court want to be pros. And... that has been my goal ever since I was a college coach. What are you gonna do to make them a pro? All they gotta do is come with a work ethic and they'll be a pro "

Different people might read this differently, but the way I got it is that if players want to nominally be pro athletes then he's going to turn them into true professionals.

On USC and Trojan Alumni:

"The intriguing thing about USC is, it's one of the top academic institutions in the world. The alumni base here is astounding; the USC alumni have been so successful and most of them, a lot of them, still live in this area. It's important for my basketball players to engage not only with the student body, but from an educational standpoint, the alumni."

I like that he takes the alumni into account here. For USC, the alumni are an especially powerful and important aspect of the university relative to a place like FGCU.

On education:

"I think it's important they [student athletes] get a well-rounded college experience. I don't mess around with education. I know what it did for me and I know what it has done for a lot of people. Our students will go to class and we'll give them all the support they need."

George Farmer Knee Injury (ACL/MCL)

2013-04-03T22:25:14Z

Bumped - P

George Farmer has once again injured himself, this time in wide receiver drills. It seemed like George Farmer's body was finally beginning to catch up with his talent as he had his most productive spring since he has arrived at USC. Now he has suffered another setback when he he caught a ball in a non-contact drill and fell grasping his knee.

This is yet another injury to the wide receiver out of Gardena Serra who was supposed to possess so much talent. In his two years at USC he has accomplished nothing, and time is running out for the once heralded receiver. This must be frustrating to USC fans because he has so much potential and they have heard all this hype surrounding him for two years now, but it has amounted to nothing. This must be even more frustrating to George himself who came in to USC with praise and huge expectations. He was fighting for the number three spot because of the breakout spring by true sophomore Nelson Agholor who made the most of his playtime as a freshmen and will likely start with Marqise Lee. Now he will likely fall further in the depth chart because senior De'Von Flournoy, sophomore Victor Blackwell, and freshmen Darreus Rodgers are competing for the same spot and none of them lack the talent to be a star in that position.

George Farmer is scheduled for an MRI today, April 3rd, and all we can do is hope for the best. This is also another injury for the USC team who has been plagued with injuries this spring, and about 18 players sat out of practice Tuesday. I really hope Farmer can get back up but it seems whenever he starts to thrive he gets injured, and I fear this tendency will follow him for the rest of his career. George Farmer is no longer a freshmen who can catch up in three years, no he had his two years to catch up so this could be his last.

UPDATE

News came in that George Farmer tore his ACL and MCL in his left knee. In a few weeks he will have surgery, but he will be out for the 2013 season. George is eligible for redshirt so he will have two years of college football left.

UPDATE