Spring Camp Notes & Observations: Day 7 Report

**The weather in Southern California through the spring has been as consistent as last season’s tackling. Some days it’s beautiful and enjoyable to see, and then other days it’s hard to watch because of the rain. Tuesday was nearly perfect with no sign of the impending rain for Wed. and Thursday.

**New facilities are in the future for USC athletics, however, an indoor football practice facility isn’t needed. Just because Ohio St uses one on days when it’s cold, that doesn’t mean USC needs to become soft too.

**I met someone for lunch in the Village but on my way back to the car for my food coma nap, I pass Justin Dedich who is eating while walking to his next class.–Rice bowl.

**It’s 3:00 and I can hear the music blasting from Howard Jones. I should have checked my email because practice was bumped back again from 3:35 back to 4:05. Mail was sent at 1:53 PM–my bad! Katie informed the media after practice that Thursday’s session will start at 4:00 as well.

**Bobby Haskins is on campus and it looks like he’s heading to a workout with his cleats in hand.

**Gino Quinones is late—it’s 3:23. Usually he scoots in by 3:15 but he has extra time since practice is pushed back.

**Strength and Conditioning coordinator Bennie Wylie has something that looks like an Anaconda wrapped all over him.

S&C Coach Bennie Wylie

**Oaks Christian High School has a few players at USC today including class of 2026 RB Deshonne Redeaux. When the media is let inside coach Kiel McDonald has him in his back pocket while he’s coaching up Raleek Brown, Quinten Joyner, Tahj Washington, and Dorian Singer reading the ball off the kickoff for a return. Coach encouragement so the recruit can see how it’s done—“Good read, Raleek!!!”

**Raleek splits his time between kickoff and punt return.

**Not a lot of recruits on hand for the day, however, Annie Hanson is now doing walk-up requests from coaches and players from other parts of the country. She’s the perfect host for getting everyone squared away. She also lets them know that the players and coach will get a chance to meet with Riley after practice for a pic.

**While waiting for our interview session the WeAreSC contingent let Miss Annie know that our subscriber base thinks she’s the staff MVP.–She then offered some great info!

**Quick numbers update—-USC has turned over the roster by 68 players in the last 13 months!

**Uh oh…Calen Bullock is walking with a purpose toward practice.–The team is in full pads.

**When Riley passes by Scott Schrader and me who are standing above the ramp he gives us a “Hey Guys” greeting.—I feel special.

**Riley spoke with the media after practice and he’s not happy about the TE position “TODAY,” at least numbers-wise. Fortunately, Lake McRee is playing at a high level. He also knows that help is on the way; he mentioned Jude Wolfe by the fall and Kade Eldridge. He can’t mention Duce Robinson yet.

**Just recognized, earning the “Gold Plate” is back.–Everyone’s helmet is looking to earn the Trojan logo. Yes, Caleb Williams too.

**Following practice, Caleb Williams highlighted an impressive play from Anthony Lucas that ended up stopping a touchdown from happening. Williams changed the play at the line of scrimmage and it was set to go for a TD but Lucas had a different idea and stopped it cold.

**Solomon Tuliaupupu is ready for the day. He grunts something that sounded like “ITS EFFING TUESDAY!”—That is Solo in a good mood. He left practice early for school commitments.

**The defensive linemen this year look different than last year. Devan Thompkins was a point of discussion with Lincoln Riley after practice. He loves his size and athleticism. Kyon Barrs is big and he walks with an intimidating big-man presence. Behind him, a slow-walking Kyon Hudson is telling a hustling De’jon Benton that he’s late.—The names are spelled slightly different but they are pronounced the same.–USC will have two Dejons on the squad this year. Defensive tackle Deijon Laffitte is watching today.

**Korey Foreman is bigger than the 235 lbs that he’s listed.–He just is. He was running to get to the field when a car screeched to a stop before he stepped off the curb.

**Tuli Tuipulotu and Brandon Pili are checking out practice today, and I think I spotted Terrell Thomas near Goux Gate.

**It’s 4:20 PM and someone said media let’s go!

**After the stretch & skip routine the teams break out into their position groups.

**The DBs with Alex grinch and Donte Williams jump right into a 1 on 1, 2-hand shed the blocker, and then run to the donut tackling drill, and the group has some extra “oomph!!” today. Calen Bullock and Zion Branch laying it all out there. Zion is going 100% full throttle.

**The linebackers are working on their footwork and playing inside a phone booth, but they look like Flamenco dancers with their hands behind their backs as they zigzag in between the bags.

**Love watching the defense and the DLine attack the sleds

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