USC football took the field Friday for 25 fully-padded scrimmage reps during the final practice of the coaching staff's initial evaluation period on the 105-man roster. It was another longer practice, but the Trojans get a much-needed day off Saturday before returning to Howard Jones Field on Sunday for two-a-day sessions.
- Antwaun Woods injured his left elbow during individual lineman drills. Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed that X-rays were negative and said the defensive tackle should miss about 1-2 weeks.
- Sophomore LB Quinton Powell made the best play of the day stepping in front of a Max Browne pass and returning it to the house.
- Leonard Williams admitted that his shoulder is still not at 100% but Sarkisian hasn't noticed any signs of weakness from the All-American noting that, "he makes it very tough to run the ball against."
- Zach Banner continues his breakout Fall Camp. After Leonard Williams called him one of the toughest players he's faced in his career, Coach Sarkisian praised the 6-foot-9 right tackle. "I've been impressed with Zach. I think he's got really great rapport with Coach Drevno and I think he responds really well to him."
- Walk-on TE Chris Willson scored the grittiest touchdown of the afternoon breaking multiple tackles before diving past the goal line for one impressive 60-yard catch and scamper.
- Cody Kessler said that in terms of mastering the playbook, his offense has been spot on learning the first five days worth of play instillation.
- Sarkisian continues to be impressed by the freshmen class, especially the improved play of gigantic offensive guard Damien Mama.
- Claude Pelon was an absolute monster on the defensive line, one time physically manhandling Justin Davis and slamming him to the ground during team drills.
- USC's offense defeated the defense by one point in the team "pride" tackling drills.
- Sarkisian was impressed with how Su'a Cravens responded following a somewhat limited practice on Thursday. CB Kevon Seymour wore a yellow penny in practice but did participate a good deal.
- Players who remained limited or out included lineman Aundrey Walker (ankle) and Jordan Simmons (knee) along with LB Lamar Dawson (knee).
- Andre Heidari nailed all four FG attempts while new blueshirt kicker Matt Boermeester missed two of his four attempts, even sending one so wide right it landed in the Uytengsu Aquatics Center viewing area.
- Buck Allen and Tre Madden were given very light loads at running back (as an added rest period along with Saturday's off-day) while Justin Davis carried almost the entire load for the first team.