IMHO Sunday: July countdown begins
In my humble opinion, cardinal and gold thoughts on what I see, what I hear, and what I think from Los Angeles:
July countdown: With the Fourth of July now behind, looking ahead on the Trojans’ July football calendar reminds us that we are just weeks away from the beginning of training camp, and if fans thought the first year under Lincoln Riley was intriguing, the second year has legitimate sky-high expectations, and it doesn’t hurt to currently have the recruiting class of 2024’s No. 5 ranking in the country.
July countdown – Part 2: Although the recruiting class of 2024 is among the elite nationally, a sidebar to the July countdown continues with Sunday’s intense commitment announcement by Santa Ana (Calif.) 4-star corner Zabien Brown, as he makes the pledge for either the Trojans, Alabama, or Ohio State. Most USC fans hope it will be the Trojans, but Nick Saban at Alabama is a hard fellow to turn down, and there are signs that Zabien may be headed for Tuscaloosa, perhaps following in the footsteps of another former Mater Dei legend, former Tide Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young.
Is 2024 4-star corner Zabien Brown going to announce on Sunday night a commitment for Alabama over the Trojans?
(Picture above courtesy of an Instagram photo)
July countdown – Part 3: Zabien Brown’s college choice on Sunday could have some potential collateral damage affecting two other local defensive players in the class of 2024 deciding in terms of staying home to play with the trending Trojans: St. John Bosco’s 4-star linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and current 4-star Georgia commit Peyton Woodyard.
July countdown – Part 4: Speaking of Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, on the same day that Zabien Brown used Twitter to announce the date of his commitment, it was followed by Viliamu-Asa declaring he will make his commitment declaration on Sunday, July 23. “KVA’s” announcement pits the Trojans against both Notre Dame and Ohio State. Kyngstonn says he has not made a final decision and awaits a sign from the Almighty to help guide his decision, but again there are signs that Ohio State may have taken the pole position in this recruiting race. Well, they say God is a Trojan, so that will be put to the test.
Is local 4-star linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa leaning towards Ohio State, which will host USC in the expanded Big Ten in 2025? (Photo above via Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa)
July countdown – Part 5: Continuing with the July calendar, two days before the Viliamu-Asa Sunday decision on July 23, the Pac-12 will have its last football media day as we know it, with USC and UCLA leaving the building after this 2023 football season. As a Pac-12 sign of future times, its one-day media extravaganza, which is not being held in Los Angeles but in Las Vegas on Friday, July 21, at the Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World in Las Vegas. Also, as a sign of the times, the Mountain West Conference will be having its two-day media day also in Las Vegas on Weds. /Thurs., July 19&20.
Resort World in Las Vegas will host the one-day Pac-12 football Media Day on Friday, July 21.
(Photo above by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
July countdown – Part 6: The Big Ten Conference is having its “two-day” media day(s) on Wednesday and Thursday, July 26-27, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Lucas Oil Stadium is home to the 2023 Big Ten media days in Indianapolis, Ind., on July 26-27.
(Photo by MSA/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
July countdown – Part 7: For those that like surprises and conspiracy theories, we’ll learn in July if there will be confirmation whether Lincoln Riley is bringing in some unknown transfers either from the portal or the junior college route. There are rumors still out there that the roster may see an addition or two and perhaps even a current roster spot vacated. We may not know until training camp whether these are ridiculous rumors or food for thought.
July countdown – Part 8: One of the growing curiosities is when Salute to Troy, that combination of all-you-can-eat food extravaganza and combined program introducing the 2023 USC team, will be officially announced. Whether the delay in announcement is because there is no athletic director to spearhead and complete the final plans is probably a reach. While the event will likely not be in July, a rumor is that mid-August might be the target date for Salute to Troy.
July countdown – Part 9: The balance of July could also be a month for Trojans fans to hone their knowledge regarding Texas high school football. With Lincoln Riley and his staff making Texas a priority out-of-state recruiting ground, new names are appearing for the class of 2025. Do yourself a favor and purchase the bible of Texas football, Dave Campbell’s high school and college football. I‘ve gotten this magazine, and it’s top-notch: https://www.texasfootball.com/subscribe
2023 Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine
Summation: So, yes, we are on July countdown leading up to USC’s opening of training camp, which begins in late July. There has been no public announcement on the exact date, but around July 27 would be close. The long wait for the 2023 season appears right around the corner, and it couldn’t come soon enough.
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The Zabien Brown quotebook…
Zabien Brown
Class of 2024 4-star corner Zabien Brown from Santa Ana (Calif) Mater Dei High is making his college commitment on Sunday and is down to USC, Alabama, and Ohio State. Brown gave a little insight hint into his recruiting when he told BamaOnline:
“It’s really Alabama and USC. I really loved Ohio State when I went out there but, from my personal standpoint and my personal takeaways, it has a lot of similarities to USC… it was too similar to USC, and I couldn’t see myself going across the country for something in my backyard.”
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From the press box…
(Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
Nobody asked me…but: This whole Pac-12 Conference TV contract or unstable future seems to be a Titanic-sized iceberg that both USC and UCLA avoided by going to the Big Ten. FYI, there are nine major conferences that have upcoming media days, and the Pac-12 is just one of two other conferences (Conference USA and Mid-America) that are doing their football presentations in just one day.
The whole Pac-12 is waiting to see what is going to happen to the conference, as it awaits some sort of announced TV deal.
(Photo above by Icon Sportswire / Contributor PhotoG/Getty)
Nobody asked me…but: I don’t know how many fingers you can cross with two hands, but it is literally all crossed fingers when it comes to the recruitment of St. John Bosco linebacker Kyngstonn Villiamu-Asa to USC instead of Ohio State or Notre Dame.
Nobody asked me…but: Given the current quarterback terrain, it would be wise to look to the prospects in the class of 2025 for the Trojans’ next great 5-star quarterback hope.
Who will be Lincoln Riley’s big quarterback for the recruiting class of 2025?
(Photo above by Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Nobody asked me…but: I wish that Los Angeles restaurant icon for dipped French roll sandwiches, Philippe’s, had a vending spot at USC Coliseum home games.
Nobody asked me…but: It’s being reported that Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is having an “Evening with Quinn Ewers” with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit “Merging Vets and Players.” The cost: VIP $2,312, Adults $283, Kids $38. Wonder what an “Evening with Caleb Williams” would cost.
Caleb Williams will have his own bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 12.
Nobody asked me…but: Although I am not holding out any hope, might Lincoln Riley allow the media a bit more time to watch practice than in the past? I know, what a stupid question.
Nobody asked me…but: Well, it should be interesting to see where incoming freshman receiver Duce Robinson is drafted in this weekend’s major league baseball draft, which begins Sunday, July 9 at Lumen Field in Seattle, with the first day covering the first two rounds. Rounds 3-10 will take place on Monday, July 10, and the draft wraps up with rounds 11-20 on Tuesday, July 11. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out in coordination with USC football.
Considered a potential Aaron Judge, Trojans’ receiver Duce Robinson could become a high major league baseball draft pick on Sunday.
Nobody asked me…but: I am still waiting for official word on the date and day for Salute to Troy.
Nobody asked me…but: While others discuss the Trojans’ potent offense and the potential of the Trojans’ defense, I am focused (concerned) with the Trojans’ special teams with or without brilliant freshman Zachariah Branch returning punts or kickoffs. It’s about coverage issues.
Nobody asked me…but: It’s not a question of effort, but how big an effect will DB commit Marcelles Williams from St. John Bosco have on those uncommitted and committed recruits for the class of 2024.
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The post-game show…
(Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images)
The nominee: Caleb Williams has been nominated for an ESPY for Best College Athlete, Men’s Sports. Trojans’ fans are encouraged to vote for Caleb. The ESPY Awards will be televised on ESPN this Wednesday, July 12.
First pitch celebration: Although his official Dodgers bobblehead day isn’t until Aug 12, the Dodgers celebrated Trojans’ 2022 Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams on Friday night against the Angels with a Dodger Stadium pregame video celebration of Williams winning the college football’s most prestigious award. I was there on Thursday night, and it was quite a pregame celebration program.
Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams throws out the first pitch, as his offensive line looks on, prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium on Thursday night. Caleb will have his own Dodgers bobblehead night on Aug. 12.
(Photo above by Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)
First pitch celebration – Part 2: Caleb was accompanied for the Dodgers pregame celebration of him by bringing along his 2023 offensive linemen, who all together bellowed out that Dodger Stadium tradition before the first pitch with “It’s time for Dodger baseball!”
( L-R) Jonah Monheim, Gino Quinones, Dodger Bobby Miller, Caleb Williams, Jarrett Kingston, Justin Dedich, Emmanuel Pregnon, and Michael Tarquin (Photo above courtesy of the Los Angeles Dodgers)
Wonders: In an interesting promotional message, multi-sport athlete Duce Robinson, who will wear No. 19 for the football team, is being billed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Wonders – Part 2: Was it a coincidence that Duce Robinson was awarded uniform No. 19? Consider that No. 19 was worn by former Trojan All-American receiver Hal Bedsole, who helped lead the Trojans to the 1962 national championship. Bedsole was considered an anomaly at the time, as he was 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds. A quarterback in junior college, head coach John McKay switched him to a big receiver, and the rest is history.
Incoming freshman receiver Duce Robinson will wear No. 19, which was made famous in the modern era of USC football by 1962 All-America receiver Hal Bedsole, a former quarterback in high school. During his time, the 6-5 Bedsole was considered virtually unstoppable.
(Photo above by: Bob Ganley/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Switch: As reported earlier, Reggie Bush appears “out” as an analyst on Saturday’s Fox Sports “Big Noon Kickoff” and will be replaced by former Alabama star running back Mark Ingram, a former member of The Tide’s 2010 national title team and a three-time NFL Pro-Bowler. Ingram joins former Trojans Heisman-winning QB Matt Leinart, former ND QB Brady Quinn, coach Urban Meyer, and host Rob Stone.
ND tickets: Although the USC at Notre Dame game on Oct. 14 is a single-ticket sellout, USC fans could take advantage of an ND 3-game USC mini-ticket plan to secure a ticket. For more info, go to: https://und.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AND%3AF23%3AFMP%3A&linkID=notre-dame&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=FBMP&cgc=&dataAccId=163&locale=en_US&siteId=ev_notre-dame
Trojans fans can still buy tickets for the Notre Dame game in South Bend…if willing to purchase a Notre Dame 3-game mini-package.
(Photo above by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
In memory: It’s with great sadness and a major whole in my heart to have learned that one of my mentors and friend, legendary former Huntington Beach (Calif.) Edison High head football coach Bill Workman has passed at the age of 82 due to Lewy body dementia. Being part of the Edison High football program in various capacities at the time was one of the greatest moments in my sports career. While at Edison, I had the honor and privilege of being part of the 1979 and 1980 CIF Champions – not to mention an Orange County record – at the time – a 33-game win streak and No. 1 national ranking in 1981.
While I did my student teaching at Edison in 1979 and taught English and a sports journalism class, Bill and his outstanding assistants welcomed me into their program, and I never – in all the years I was in coaching – ever had a more fun and rewarding time. Much of my own coaching philosophy was either confirmed or reenforced through Coach Workman, who like me started his coaching career as a recreation leader. We actually grew up in the same neck of the woods in the L.A. area.
Legendary former Huntington Beach (Calif.) Edison Chargers High School head football coach Bill Workman, who passed on July 3.
In memory – Part 2: I remember each time Edison won the CIF title, there would be a celebration at a house afterward, which had a piano, and I would play oldies songs on the piano, and he would sing the words. His favorite song to sing was a 1957 rock and roll song called “Peanuts” by Little Joe and the thrillers. Bill loved USC football and would call me periodically to ask what was going on whether it was Pete Carroll or Clay Helton.
When he was Edison’s head coach, Bill sent a number of players to USC, including the likes of tight end Mark Boyer, corner Duaine Jackson, punter Troy Richardson, and fullback Dave Geroux. In 1979, the Edison Chargers featured one of the top two tailbacks in America, Kerwin Bell, who was spoken in the same breath as a Georgia tailback named Hershel Walker. The 1979 season ended with Edison smashing Redlands 55-0 at Anaheim Stadium to win the CIF. In 1980, Edison defeated rival Fountain Valley, which featured former UCLA quarterback Matt Stevens and eventual NFL tackle Duval Love, before 30,000 fans at the “Big A.” A number of his former players and even his offensive line coach, Russ Purnell, advanced to the NFL.
Bill, I will miss you dearly and thank you for all you did for and with me. Peace and love to your beautiful wife and family. There are very few friends that last a true lifetime, and you were one of mine. Here’s “Peanuts” for you, my friend.
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The Call-in Show…
Caller No. 1: Mr. Katz, what do you think of USC taking a retired jersey out of retirement and allowing a new player to wear that “retired” jersey number? I remember when Darnell Bing came to USC and wore Mike Garrett’s retired No. 20.
Caller No. 1, I don’t like the idea of taking a retired numbered jersey and activating a number to appease or acquire a recruit. I get a laugh when I hear a legendary player with a retired jersey giving permission for a new player to wear his number. What is the legend supposed to say?
Caller No. 2: Coach, in a single word, describe your thoughts on the current Pac-12 fiasco.
Caller No. 2, the word I would use is “sad.”
Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff has his hands full trying to get a TV contract and keeping the current school from defecting.
(Photo above by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Caller No. 3, GK, what do you think of all these high school players now streaming their commitments live?
Caller No. 3, I would like it much better like it if it was a signing day ceremony in December or February than a June commitment, which is just that – a non-binding commitment.
Caller No. 4: Greger, what’s up, dude? What do you think of taking a Metro line(s) to a USC home game?
Caller No.4, since I am a media person, it wouldn’t work for me. I need to be at the Coliseum two hours or earlier before a game and at least three hours after. However, as a fan and depending on the kickoff time, I think the only big negative is after a game standing in a big line to get to Union Station for a transfer or an Amtrak train for the ride home.
Metro Link is a viable transportation alternative to arriving at the Coliseum for USC home games.
(Photo above by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Caller No. 5: Mr. Alhambra, I am from the area. Did you ever attend eighth grade dances at the Granada Park gym?
Caller No. 5, I sure did. I think the dances were called “Club 88.” There were usually live bands, and they were pretty good. Ah, those memories (sniffle).
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The Last Word…
In last Tuesday’s edition of Inside the Trojans’ Huddle, panelists Marc Kulkin, Chris Arledge, and Greg Katz gave their evaluation of last week’s plethora of commitments, analysis regarding USCs out-of-state football commitment success, more historical Big Ten football program reflections, and viewers’ questions and panel answers.
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