Kessler and Wittek aren't neck and neck, but Kiffin has not declared a starter yet. (Ryan Nunez/Neon Tommy)

Head coach Lane Kiffin loved the energy supplied by his players all practice long, as the Trojans finished up their last installment of two-a-day practices following a grueling set of practices Sunday at the Coliseum. "I know we're going in the right direction, that's for sure," Kiffin said following Monday's practice.

Star wide receiver Marqise Lee spoke to the media for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury two weeks ago, immediately dispelling concern about his status moving forward. "I was scared for a moment, but I was taking my time getting up," Lee said, describing the first moments after falling to the ground at fall camp practice.

The Biletnikoff winner practiced in a new-look yellow jersey, replacing the old pennies that lined practice during fall camp. His wide receiving partners Nelson Agholor and Darreus Rogers also participated in practice, while Victor Blackwell remained sidelined with an injured right leg.

While the wide receiving corp continues to return healthy bodies to the field, the Trojans' offensive line is battling through a slew of injuries. Marcus Martin, the prohibitive favorite to start at center, did not participate in team practice along with newly-positioned guard Aundrey Walker.

Leaving the dorms and returning to life in their respective apartments in the near-campus area, the Trojans were jovial about new digs for the upcoming season. “I can't even explain how happy I am,” cornerback Kevon Seymour said following his departure from Flour Tower.

The action on the field was filled with special teams drills, walk-through sessions and teachable moments with the first and second-team squads. Lee returned with a flash, racking in an incredible 40-yard sideline pass from Cody Kessler while beating over-the-top coverage from Anthony Brown.

Quick Hits

*The Trojans offensive line was filled with new names and positions across the board on Monday with the first-team line consisting of (left-to-right) Chad Wheeler, Giovanni Di Poalo, Max Tuerk, John Martinez and Kevin Graf.

*"What you have done before doesn't mean anything, all the competition has opened up at this point,” Lane Kiffin said about John Martinez’s spot with the offensive line, following two starting seasons amongst the ranks. Martinez is competing with Aundrey Walker for the starting right guard spot.

*Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergrast said safety Josh Shaw reminds him of his former NFL player George Teague, who recorded 15 career interceptions during his career after being a first-round selection in the 1993 NFL Draft. 

*Kessler took more snaps under center than Max Wittek once again in practice, yet Kiffin remained quiet about the starting quarterback position for next Thursday’s season opener.

*Quinton Powell made the best defensive play of the day, racking in a deflected pass from Wittek running it back for pick-six touchdown.

*Three scholarship tight ends (Xavier Grimble, Randall Telfer and Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick) were held out of practice, giving way for Kevin Greene along with walk-ons Chris Willson and Shane Sullivan in first-team reps.