Former Trojan and current NY Jets QB Mark Sanchez returned to So. Cal to take in a little spring ball on Thursday. While his college head coach has since moved to the NFL, Sanchez still enjoyed paying a visit to “Coach Kiff” and acknowledged some similarities and differences under the new regime.
Mark’s message to the current players of “Go to Class” was nicely tucked between taking naps and eating lunch. It also appears that Lane Kiffin has tightened the screws when it comes to early practice time now that Pete Carroll has taken his chill talents to Seattle.
After checking out practice, Mark had plans to attend a panel later that evening alongside Matt Leinart. No, this seminar was not geared to teach the public on proper solo beer bong tactics, although you can only assume that this was the best panel after party the West coast as seen in decades. Although he eventually made it, all of this was delayed because Sanchez had difficulties getting to the panel on time. Too. Many. Jokes.
But really, he had a pretty solid excuse.
When Sanchez did finally arrive he answered questions on his time at school, his awkward departure from Pete Carroll, and comparisons to Matt Leinart’s pro (or lack of) development. While interesting, I think I speak for all of us when I say we would have much rather enjoyed an all-access look at what happened after this mandatory “talking” stuff was out of the way.
Well, the likes of Bob Stoops and Gary Patterson certainly approve of this extreme visor care. And if you think the process to get Lane Kiffin his visor is intricate, you should how the university brings him scouting reports.
Cues video of cheerleaders riding with actual Trojan warrior while being chased by Rick Neuheisel on a live bear. (NOTE: The bear is much slower, which is fitting)
Wow do you guys know that envy is on of the seven deadly sins? So Cal
Spring football officially kicks off at USC on Tuesday, and for the second consecutive year the Trojans are expected, well, forced to be awfully cautious given the current state of their roster.
Lane Kiffin and co. have been dealing with significant injuries seasons since they jumped on with the team last year and in 2011 the trend continues. Thus far, twenty players have yet to be cleared for full contact by doctors due to offseason surgeries and lingering issues. Add into the equation that USC is already working with a much smaller squad stemming from NCAA sanctions, and it could mean more shorts and less pads this spring.
Although almost every position is dealing with significant injuries at this point, the offensive line, which Kiffin regarded as a “gigantic issue,” is inexperienced, thin and also banged up. Senior center Kristofer O’Dowd and junior tackle Tyron Smith are headed to the NFL, while backup center Michael Reardon decided to leave the team early to pursue other things. On top of this, three of the potential replacement lineman have yet to be cleared to practice.
All of these issues mean that USC practices could look more like flag football games than anything. The Trojans are expected to run a lot of 7-on-7 because of the lack of available players and hope to keep everyone upright as they carefully maneuver through the offseason.
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