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USC Football Spring Notebook: Prep Not Hype

Scott Enyeart |
March 6, 2012 | 9:53 p.m. PST

Staff Reporter

 

The full team practiced with coaches for the first time in 2012. (James Santelli/Neon Tommy)
The full team practiced with coaches for the first time in 2012. (James Santelli/Neon Tommy)
USC held the first of 15 spring practices Tuesday night at Howard Jones field. Though the players were only in shorts and helmets, the excitement surrounding the 2012 season was tangible.

PREP NOT HYPE: Last season the words "NO DISTRACTIONS" were painted along the USC sideline. Today, the battle cry "PREP NOT HYPE" lined the practice field. It's a clear message head coach Lane Kiffin is trying to convey to his team; that preperation will be the key to success this coming season, not outside influences or media scrutiny.

TEE TIME: USC has a new WR coach this spring, former Tennessee QB Tee Martin. Martin, who led the Vols to a national title in 1998, took the field for his first official practice as a Trojan, and he is already making an impact. Following practice both QB Matt Barkley and Lane Kiffin had positive things to say about Martin's addition to the program. Notably, Barkley said Martin's perspective as a former QB has been a benefit to the senior signal-caller.

PARENT FRIENDLY: USC is hosting its annual Pro Day on Wednesday. One of the questions Kiffin was asked Tuesday was whether parents should be allowed to attend and watch their kids participate in Pro Day, following reports that UCLA forbid families from attending its Pro Day event. Kiffin didn't mince words. "Yes, they should," he said.

For more from USC's first spring practice, check out Scott's interview with senior DE Devon Kennard:



 

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