Key Takeaways from USC Spring Ball Practice 10

USC was on the field for the Trojans’ tenth practice of spring ball Thursday. Here are some key notes, takeaways and news from the practice.

Domani Jackson Speaks to the Media

USC sophomore cornerback Domani Jackson spoke to the media for the first time since his arrival at USC. The former five-star prospect missed nearly his entire senior season of high school and dealt with the fallout from knee surgery throughout his true freshman season. It was evident in how he spoke today, just how difficult last year was for Jackson that he couldn’t see the field regularly.

Jackson said he still doesn’t quite feel all the way back to his peak speed yet. But he said he feels great and this spring has “been real fun” compared to last spring, when he couldn’t participate.

Jackson said he had to completely rebuild trust in that repaired knee. He said the ability to have confidence in that “plays a big role” in an athlete’s play on the field.

The biggest area of growth he’s seen since arriving at USC is his understanding of defensive schemes. He said in high school he was able to be a dominant player simply by being more physical and faster than everybody else.

“College is a different story,” Jackson said, adding that he tries to stay after just about every practice to work with cornerbacks coach Donte Williams on cleaning up any issues he might have had during that practice.

Anthony Lucas Working at Rush End and Defensive End

Anthony Lucas is listed at 6-foot-5, 295 pounds on the USC roster this spring. That weight number seemed high based on the eye test. Lucas said Thursday that he’s at 270 pounds right now. And not unexpectedly, he added that he’s working right now at both defensive end and rush end. He and Solomon Tuliaupupu are both doing that.

Lucas said there isn’t much difference for him doing those roles compared to what he was doing at Texas A&M last year. He said he played both defensive end and the Buck position with the Aggies.

Lucas continues to impress his teammates. Linebacker Raesjon Davis said Lucas is coming off the edge as “the biggest dude on the field.”

“He’s just wreaking havoc every day,” Davis said of Lucas.

Shaun Nua on Jack Sullivan

Anthony Lucas isn’t the only guy moving around on the defensive line. Position coach Shaun Nua praised Jack Sullivan for his versatility. Sullivan has the ability to play on the end and the interior of the defensive line. Nua called him a “great addition.”

“Very mature, very professional,” Nua said. “He knows exactly the expectation and he’s ready to embrace it,”

Confidence from the Defensive Backs

Cornerback Ceyair Wright and nickel Jaylin Smith have both earned significant praise from Lincoln Riley this spring. On Thursday, they each echoed Riley’s comments as to why they’ve taken that step forward. Both credited playing time last year and the experience gained as why they’re playing with an increased level of confidence this spring.

Wright and Latrell McCutchin are getting a majority of reps at the nickel spot now as Max Williams has shifted back to safety for the time being.

Gold Plated Trojans

It’s tough to tell who all has earned the Trojan logo on their helmets and “Gold Plated” status this spring. So many of the Trojans are wearing the Guardian pads that cover their helmets. But on Thursday, quarterback Caleb Williams, wide receiver Tahj Washington, safety Bryson Shaw, cornerback Ceyair Wright and long snapper Jac Casasante were all sporting them. It appeared kicker Denis Lynch may have earned his after the practice.

They certainly aren’t the only ones who have earned them.

Praise for the Branch Brothers

Jaylin Smith offered praise for both of the Branch brothers after practice. He called fellow safety Zion Branch a “great athlete” and a “raw talent.” He went a little bigger with wide receiver Zachariah Branch, calling him a “one-of-a-kind” athlete. Both are expected to make sizable impacts this season. And it’s impossible not to notice how many players bring up Zachariah Branch when asked about offensive players standing out this spring.

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