Devon Kennard and Leonard Williams are taking it easy half way through fall camp, in an attempt to prevent injury. (Jeremy Bergman/Neon Tommy)

“Down 19 guys today due to injuries, we have to make sure we are not out here too long,” Kiffin said following practice. “They are still coming out, even in the grind here, with the attitude of getting better and better.”

The injuries piled up at practice with Marqise Lee, Nelson Agholor, Darreus Rogers, Randall Telfer, Silas Redd, Justin Davis, D.J. Morgan and Ty Isaac among the injured Trojans out of team activities at Dedeaux Field. 

Sophomore DL Leonard Williams looked the closest to recovery on the club, working his way back to individual drills before leaving for treatment with shoulder pain. In spite of the low numbers, other players stepped up with their opportunities. 

Walk-on WR Robby Kolanz caught the eye of every player on the field, ending the day as MVP of practice according to Kiffin. He made two crucial catches in the final scrimmage of practice, including the practice-ending touchdown reception causing a team-wide dog pile celebration in his honor. 

“He’s such a force,” according to Max Wittek, who delivered the throws to set up Kolanz on Tuesday. “A lot of guys don’t expect him to do well out there, but he has a lot of talent and catches nearly every damn thing that comes his way.”

The Trojans practiced in shoulder pads and helmets on Tuesday, looking for rest in the midst of 18 straight days of practice during Fall Camp. Despite the grind that takes place, Kiffin continues to be impressed by the effort his players showcase.

“They are still coming out, even in the grind here, with the attitude of getting better and better,” Kiffin said, adding “It just gives over guys a chance to step up.”

SEE MORE: USC Football Fall Camp, Day 10: 'Best Day' Of Practice So Far

One of the other players benefiting in the process is Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, a sophomore tight end commended by Kiffin as his most dependable player. “We are just gonna continue to do what we are doing,” Cope-Fitzpatrick said after practice. 

With those 19 players out, including three WRs, two RBs and one TE among the contenders for starting positions, Kiffin continues to preach mistake-free football as a benchmark for this team's success. For the second straight practice, turnovers were nowhere to be found, something that excites the Trojan head coach. 

Kiffin said, "When you don't see any turnovers out here, with the defense being extremely flexible and doing lots of stuff. I think the team is completely buying into it this year, and that’s the number one priority on this team."

Leading the charge in that department are quarterback favorites Wittek and Cody Kessler, who have adopted this style of play and are improving drastically because of the turnover-free mentality. 

"That’s what the game is all about, that’s what the coaching staff wants us to do and that’s what the offense wants us to do,” said Wittek, following a two TD, zero interception day. 

The third quarterback in this equation, freshman Max Browne, was called upon to work against a blitzing period for the first-team defense on Tuesday. “I will make the most of my reps, and let the chips fall where they may," the rookie explained.

While out of the two-horse race at the moment, Browne wants to continue pushing Kessler and Wittek each and every day: “I will do whatever it takes to help the team win.” This after Kiffin praised Browne last week for handling the situation like a professional. 

On Tuesday, Browne explained his perspective on the quarterback situation for the first time,“I was appreciative they took the time to talk to me, and it was a class act on their half. It was a meeting I was thankful to have.”

The Trojans will continue to rest up and recover for the all important second-scrimmage of fall camp on Friday. Day 11 did not feature the most prolific plays or even the fastest tempo, but it opened a Pandora’s box about the philosophy and depth surrounding this USC program coming up in the not-too distant future. 

SEE MORE: Arrogant Student Nation Videocast: Recapping Fall Camp So Far

Quick Hits

*Former California coach Jeff Tedford, Kiffin's quarterback coach at Fresno State and a personal mentor, attended USC fall camp practice.

*Greg Townsend Jr. replaced Morgan Breslin on the Trojans' first-team defensive line, after missing his second straight practice of fall camp. For Townsend, the opportunity is “exactly the reason why I came to USC, to compete with the best.”

*In the spoof of kicking moments, Alex Wood lobbed a football over in the direction of Andre Heidari, who apparently said he was not looking that way, before the ball landed directly in his extra sensitive parts. This caused a hefty chuckle from the special teams.

*Running backs Silas Redd and Ty Isaac fully suited up for practice with the running backs, but only to lightly participate in individual drills. Lee was placed in a similar situation, for the fourth straight day, but did show off his Biletnikoff-winning hands by catching punts from Wood with merely one arm. 

*Kiffin praised the left side of his offensive line (Max Tuerk and Chad Wheeler) “They are playing great together, really long and strong kids. They are very young, but they have a great mentality about the game,” Kiffin said after practice. On the right side meanwhile, recently-converted lineman Aundrey Walker split time with John Martinez at the RG position on Tuesday during team activities. 

Reach Staff Reporter Evan Budrovich via e-mail or on Twitter.