USC Football: Fall Camp Is Critical to 2011 Season Success

A long nine months have passed since USC beat UCLA on December 4, 2010, and the Trojans will begin Fall Camp on August 4 for 26 days.

This Fall Camp is the most important in many years due to the absence of so many players during spring practice because of injuries or the 2011 large recruiting class that had not reported.

The practice schedule has seven different practice times similar to game times starting at 12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and TBA.

Here are the important goals that must be achieved:

1. Finalize offensive and defensive schemes
2. Establish the two deep at all positions, especially the following:

• Offensive line and begin playing as a unit (most important)
• Starting tailback
• Split end
• Back-up quarterback
• Defensive line
• Strongside and weakside linebackers
• Strong safety
• One cornerback

This is a long list of unknowns at this point, however the Trojan athletes have continued player-only summer sessions after spring practice from June 2 until late July and they are ready for the challenge.

Of course, the coaches can't wait to work with the team and pull this together.

Here are the 2011 USC football preseason notes that were released on July 26.

Season kickoff is September 3 against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Los Angeles Coliseum. 

Most USC fans are counting the days with expectations for an exciting and successful 2011 season.

The Trojans football team also has very high expectations, and it will take the support of all USC fans to make it happen even if the NCAA won't let them attend practices.  Fight on!

P.S. Congratulations to incoming Trojan wide receiver Marqise Lee who has been named the California State Athlete of the Year by Cal-Hi Sports.