The Trojans returned to Howard Jones Field Tuesday morning for their fourth practice of the spring after two days off. The team sported full pads for the second time this spring.

TURNOVER TUESDAY: The linebacking corp is still without probable starters Chris Galippo and Devon Kennard and safety-turned-linebacker Dion Bailey missed practice after injuring his forearm on Saturday. That didn't stop the linebacker group from having an impressive day as Hayes Pullard, Dallas Kelley and Will Andrew all had interceptions today. In fact, as coach Lane Kiffin noted, Andrew has had a pick every practice.

WALKING WOUNDED: The list of Trojans unable to practice because of injuries continues to grow. Robert Woods who injured his hamstring in Saturday's practice, and Bailey both sat out today. Kiffin said x-rays on Bailey came back negative but did not know when either player would return. 

Receiver De'Von Flournoy joined the infirmary by the end of the practice with a hip injury. On a positive note, however, Kyle Prater was no longer in a walking boot and appears likely to return before the end of spring.

THE BATTLE FOR NO. 2: Max Wittek, who did not throw an interception during the first week of spring practice, threw multiple picks today. As expected though, the competition is still wide open and will likely remain that way into the fall.

"For what the numbers are worth, completion percentage wise, Cody [Kessler] is in the lead, Jesse [Scroggins] is in the middle and Max is third going into today," Kiffin said of the three freshman vying for the backup quarterback position. 

IN A GOOD MOODY: Redshirt junior running back Curtis "Moody" McNeal is continuing to thrive in the absence of returning starter Marc Tyler.

"Curtis McNeal put together another good day, that's two in a row,' Kiffin said. "We obviously hope that he can get academic work so he can be eligible to help us on offense, but on special teams especially. He's a pretty unique kid."

THE DARK HORSE: While reflecting on the bright spots of the first week of spring practice Lane Kiffin was particularly impressed with the play of receiver Brandon Carswell.

"I think Brandon Carswell would probably be the dark horse of camp", Kiffin said. "When you stay long enough and stay in the system you get to your fourth or fifth year and you end up playing more and being productive. Hopefully that's where he is."

WHAT'S AHEAD: USC will resume practice Thursday morning at 7:25. The Spring Game is scheduled for April 23 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and will be open to the public.

 

Be sure to check out all of Neon Tommy's coverage of 2011 Spring Practice.

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To reach Scott Enyeart, click here. Follow him on Twitter @scottenyeart.