USC opens spring practice today, but before the Trojans even held a workout, the quarterbacks praised new quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates and shed no tears over the departure of former offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian.
"It's certainly been a good change,"
Mitch Mustain said. "It's a lot different the way (Bates) and Sark did things. They are polar opposites. We'd all agree it's for the best."
Specifically, Bates simplified the offense by making it easier to understand some of the pass protections and eliminating some excess terminology.
"If anything, things make more sense with the changes he made,"
Aaron Corp said. "They are worked a little different than before and help out the running backs and offensive linemen."
Bates, forced out of Denver with the departure of Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, will be under as much scrutiny during USC's spring drills as the new quarterbacks attempting to replace Mark Sanchez.
"I'd hate to say what it will be like in the fall but I'm sure things will be slightly different because I'll do some different things than Sark,"
Bates said.
One difference is that USC could be primarily a shotgun team on third down. Bates mostly ran the shotgun in Denver with quarterback Jay Cutler.
He said USC's quarterbacks will be under center on first and second down but probably switch on third downs.
"It all depends on how comfortable the quarterback feels with it,"
Bates said.
In past quarterback derbies, USC head coach Pete Carroll always selected a starter at the end of spring drills.
"If I had my druthers, I'd rather have it settled by the end of spring,"
Carroll said. "I don't know that it will take place."
One reason is the arrival of quarterback Matt Barkley, who graduated early from Mater Dei High in Santa Ana. Although it would be highly unlikely Barkley would win the job, Carroll wants to take a long look at him in the spring.
"It's hard to imagine he could do it, but we'll give him an opportunity,"
Carroll said.
Bates said Barkley has one advantage because Mater Dei's offense is similar to USC's.
"Matt understands the coverages and our pass concepts,"
Bates said. "He's way ahead on things. I definitely think he has a chance."
Barkley said he will not be disappointed if he does not play next season.
"I'm just going to do my best and whatever happens, accept it,"
Barkley said. "I can't wait for this to start. I've been waiting for awhile. I'm excited."
The quarterbacks are also happier with the new coaching setup because Bates is focused exclusively on the quarterbacks. Receivers coach John Morton is technically the offensive coordinator.
"He's a lot more focused on us because he's not technically the offensive coordinator,"
Corp said of Bates. "I really like it. It will help me and the rest of the quarterbacks."
USC's defensive line is also a question mark and it's one reason tackle Armond Armstead is going switch to defensive end to see if he is fast enough to handle the spot. It's considered a way to get the best four players on the field if Armstead plays end along with Everson Griffen while Christian Tupou, Jurrell Casey and Averell Spicer play tackle.
Offensive lineman Michael Reardon will play his new position, tight end, which is helpful because tight end Blake Ayles will miss spring drills. Ayles underwent knee surgery in December and remains less than 100 percent.
Also ...
Carroll said tailback Joe McKnight, who was expected to miss spring practice because he dislocated four toes in the Rose Bowl, could be cleared for full contact after the first week of drills. "He looks full speed,"
Carroll said. "If there's no setbacks, he'll be fine."
... Shareece Wright, who red-shirted last season with a neck injury, is not cleared for contact. ... Tailback Allen Bradford, who red-shirted following hip surgery, could do some running but will not practice with the team. ... Offensive tackle Nick Howell is bothered by a sore hamstring that could limit his participation. ... Center Kris O' Dowd will miss the spring following January shoulder surgery.
