USC Football: Pete Carroll Analyzes Spring Practice

The following are excerpts from Pete Carroll’s annual End of Spring Practice Press Conference. You can read the transcript in its entirety at

http://wearesc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36693

or view the video at www.usctrojans.com.

The quarterback competition among Mark Sanchez, Mitch Mustain, and redshirt freshman Aaron Corp was not Pete Carroll's main concern.

Instead, he said that his main objective was for the team to rediscover the work ethic and competitiveness that has marked the Carroll era at USC.

Earlier in the week, Carroll named Sanchez as the starting quarterback leading up to the Trojans final Spring scrimmage, the Huddle, at the Coliseum.

The offensive line was another area of transition this spring.

"On the offensive line, we’ve had a lot of adjustments, a lot of guys moving in and out of spots. We continue to do that and will continue to do that into the fall when we have the new offensive linemen come in to make sure we are doing the right thing."

Carroll then highlighted the current players at each position.

Replacing Macke Award-winner Fred Davis, a likely first round NFL draft choice, had been another concern.

The lack of consistency last year at the wide receiver position forced tight end Fred Davis to become the go-to receiver. This year things seem to have changed.

Carroll suggested that Arkansas transfer Damian Williams has been the biggest surprise.

Running back is one position where the Trojans are loaded.

Carroll was especially impressed with the efforts of C.J. Gable and Allen Bradford. He was also pleased with the jobs that redshirt freshmen Broderick Green and Marc Tyler have done.

On defense, the big question for the staff was how to fill the holes left by first-day NFL draft choices Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson.

The Coach spoke of Matthews' versatility.

Carroll also had praise for Christian Tupou, who has been filling in for Averell Spicer at the nose tackle spot, and Fili Moala at the other inside spot. He felt the Trojans would have good depth on the D-line with Trey Henderson, Derek Simmons and DaJohn Harris also in the rotation.

The coach was also hopeful that this year's recruits could measure up in the trenches.

The Trojan linebacking corps has been one of the best in college football.

Carroll also cited the play of Mike Morgan and Chris Galippo. His one disappointment was that Malcolm Smith, the brother of Steve Smith (New York Giants) pulled a hamstring and had to sit out the rest of spring practice.

Carroll feels that the secondary has a chance to be one of the Trojans' best.

Carroll expects the defense to be very solid and to be fast and aggressive, especially with the linebackers and safeties. He feels they should be effective against the run and have the ability to pressure the passer.

Offensively, Carroll says the Trojans need to run the football.

He used a basketball analogy to explain the role of the quarterback.

Trojans fans wiil be glad to know that Carroll feels the team will be able to do all of the things they have done in the past offensively and defensively and has very high hopes for those groups.

What is the reason for Carroll's optimism? Having all the key members of his staff back this year.