USC Football Fall Camp, Day 8: Marqise Lee Day-To-Day
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Practice began as the sun began to set on Saturday. (Evan Budrovich/Neon Tommy)
Following a rather sluggish morning practice on Day 8, the Trojans came out with intensity and veracity in their individual drills. That translated over into the 11-on-11 session, where the offense came out to play early and often by establishing physicality and tempo with their running game.
The big news from both practices surrounded the health concerns for many of the key Trojans. USC's biggest weapon on offense, wide receiver Marqise Lee, was the main course injury amongst the many interesting topics served on Day 8.
Lee Is Day-to-Day:
USC Trojan fans can take a deep sigh of relief, as head coach Lane Kiffin dispelled any rumors Saturday night about a long-term injury to the 2012 Biletnikoff winner. Lee has been diagnosed with a bone bruise, and will be day-to-day according to Kiffin.
While not in attendance for the morning session, Lee arrived with his white jersey and helmet, but did not don shoulder pads for the evening practice. Remaining an active part of the team, Lee caught passes for the quarterbacks during drills and chatted with many of his teammates on the sideline.
Despite the optimism surrounding his health, Kiffin warned that Lee still has some minor details to improve this year with the Trojans. "His game is a little off right now, he still has to get a lot of work," the head coach said.
"We have to make sure we are not relying on his athletic ability to take over," Kiffin also added. In a very candid response, Kiffin recognized Lee’s need for growth and in the process, challenged himself to diversify the offense throughout these next few practices.
READ MORE: USC Football Fall Camp, Day 7-8: Marqise Lee Hurt, Updated Expected Tonight
Buck Allen Running Up The Notice
While Silas Redd, Ty Isaac and Justin Davis remain limited in practice due to injuries, Buck Allen continues to emerge in the Trojan backfield. His presence was felt on Saturday, as he took a bulk of the first-team carries and ran with purpose and authority.
“(He's) done a great job and he is having a great fall,” said head coach Lane Kiffin on the redshirt sophomore back. “He is probably one of our most improved players and we right now we would feel very comfortable putting him in.”
The Trojan coaching staff has emphasized finishing runs all camp long, and Allen certainly capped off some huge drives in practice. Scoring two touchdowns on the night and coming just short of a third on a goal line dive, Allen continued to showcase his hard-working attitude during his amazing opportunity.
“I’m excited to get back into studying the playbook,” Allen said. “I want to thank Coach Kiffin for giving me the opportunity to play, and now I’m going out there and proving myself.” Allen only has six career carries so far, but if his fall performance is any indication, he won't take long during the season to ratchet up those numbers.
Depth Always A Point Of Emphasis
Yellow non-contact pennies were sprinkled in throughout the evening practice, as depth was challenged by a number of small injuries incurred during the first week back to practice.
“It’s another example of why recruiting is so important and depth is so important,” Kiffin said. “Things happen, and that’s why its so important to develop depth and have guys ready to play.”
Both Trojan lines continue to work in backups, as Chad Wheeler and Cyrus Hobbi worked in some major reps with the first and second team while Aundrey Walker and Kevin Graf both worked their way back in action.
On defense, Leonard Williams was limited in practice, giving J.R. Tavai and Antwaun Woods more reps at defensive tackle. On that side of the ball, freshman safety Su’a Cravens practiced with the second team defense but looked a tad slow in coverage.
Safety Dion Bailey, battling knee trouble throughout fall camp, joined Cravens in non-contact activities along with cornerback Devian Shelton.
READ MORE: USC Football Fall Camp, Day 6: A Dark-Horse Wideout Emerges
Quick Hits
*After hearing that all charges against former USC TE Junior Pomee were dropped, Kiffin dispelled any rumors of his return. “We have moved on, and I wish him the best of luck," Kiffin said.
*According to Kiffin, all three quarterbacks played well in practice. Cody Kessler continues to receive a bulk of the reps, but both pocket passers made strong throws, especially down the sidelines.
*Darreus Rogers, one of the many standouts in the first week, has been told by Kiffin and wide receiver coach Tee Martin that he is officially the number three receiver on the depth chart. Rogers continues to impress by making spectacular catches at the highest point and by locking down his receptions with his strong hands.
*Following practice, Kiffin compared the scare of Marqise Lee being injured to the feeling of losing and then finding a wallet, drawing a nice jovial laugh from members of the media in attendance.
*In one of the most confident yet telling quotes from the night, after being beat on a one-on-one drill with recently promoted TE Kevin Greene, Su’a Cravens belted: “That’s the last one I lose... ever.”
*Robby Kolanz made the catch of the evening during the Trojans' two-minute drill period, racking in a fantastic sliding grab on an out route thrown by Kessler.
Reach Staff Reporter Evan Budrovich here or follow on Twitter.
