USC freshman TE Ellison is impressive
When USC releases its preseason depth chart, there could be a surprising name on the offense.
Freshman tight end Rhett Ellison, the son of former USC linebacker Riki Ellison, continues to impress Trojans coach Pete Carroll, who thinks the 18-year-old is holding his own against the veterans at the position.
"He's playing as well as anybody," Carroll said. "And he's not just catching the ball, he's blocking really well. He's probably been the biggest surprise of camp."
Ellison was one of the last players awarded a scholarship last February, but he's challenging veterans Anthony McCoy, Dale Thompson and Jimmy Miller and has more catches in the first two scrimmages (three) than the other players combined (one).
Over at tailback: The tailback position is only slightly clearer after nearly two weeks.
Chauncey Washington seems destined to be the starter, with C.J. Gable also assured playing time. Stafon Johnson appears to be grouped with them as players who will play.
After that comes Allen Bradford and freshman Broderick Green, who is getting an extensive look this week. Freshman Joe McKnight almost seems to be in a special category because he will get opportunities as a
receiving back like Reggie Bush.
"There might be a couple special plays for each guy," running backs coach Todd McNair said. "But you need to be able to run and block to play. A lot of times pass protections keep guys off the field.
Joe McKnight was cleared by USC doctors after spraining the medial-collateral ligament in his knee. He will wear a knee brace but said he should be OK when he starts practicing in a couple days. Joe McKnight ran sprints Saturday.
"I really want to get in there and get some practice time," Joe McKnight said.
Joe McKnight said he would be ready for Wednesday's scrimmage at the Coliseum, which is open to the public.
Famous last words: Tailback Emmanuel Moody, who transferred earlier this week, did not like the idea of sharing time with Washington and Gable.
"I told him he would be the third back on the team and he said, "I don't want to be the third back, I want to be the only back," said a player who spoke to Moody.
Coming off disabled list: Several players returned from injuries including offensive tackle Drew Radovich (back), wide receiver Vidal Hazelton (groin) and cornerback Kevin Thomas (shoulder). Thomas said he should be ready for the season opener against Idaho.
Meanwhile, safety Will Harris was on crutches after the morning practice with a sprained ankle. Quarterback Aaron Corp limped following the afternoon practice with a slightly sprained ankle, defensive lineman Michael Reardon wore a brace after spraining his knee and wide receiver Brandon Carswell bruised his thigh, and wide receiver Travon Patterson (dislocated toe) had a protective boot removed from his foot.
Academic job: Offensive guard Jeff Byers will not practice this weekend because he is attending a class necessary for his master's degree.
Permanent switch: Carroll confirmed that quarterback Garrett Green's move to wide receiver would be a permanent one. Walk-on kicker Brooke Van Muijen, dropped from the team last week, will rejoin today.
Roster change: Safety Josh Pinkard is now officially listed on USC's roster as a "safety-cornerback." That erases any doubt Pinkard would play despite comments from Carroll last spring that Pinkard "is going to play at safety."
Hang ten: When USC got Friday afternoon off, Carroll went body boarding at the Hermosa Beach Pier. He surprised himself by catching a wave that took him through from one side of the pier to the other.
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