“There is no good way to follow a legend, except to continue the winning tradition” said new USC front runner greyghost in reference to former USC, HOFer bryson10. The fans, media, and alumni all have the question, which direction will the Trojans go? “There will be a change in the personnel structure, anytime a transition takes place, so do changes. The implementation process will be ongoing. We are still evaluating our talent and look forward to adding dynamic players to the team” added ghost. The Trojans have been nearly flawless the past two seasons and if that trend continues it will be sunshine and rainbows, if a storm blows in greyghost will be in the eye of it and receive the criticism.

Day 1 Draft Diary

The waiting period when at the bottom of a round can be maddening. The feelings are heightened with the importance of the draft is the main infusion of new talent. The stories can be interesting with focus of thoughts in individual rounds.

1st Round- LB Te’von Coney
It was determined days before the draft that the first pick the Trojans would be selecting was LB. When the first round started unfolding it was apparent 2 LB’s started appearing through the fog. They were Te’von Coney and Germain Pratt. The stage was set, but then after a review of the roster another player started stood out, G Chris Lindstrom. The analysis then changed. It became even further clouded after Miami U. selected Pratt. Do we select a much needed offensive lineman or go with our first choice LB. The thoughts of Kevin Costner in draft day took over and we ended up taking the position that we wrote down at the beginning of the day. Coney brings to the Trojans a fierce player that can control the line of scrimmage at MLB. On a bust, he will be part a good collective of LB’s.

2nd Round- DE/LB Jaylon Ferguson
After going through the mental anguish of the first round, the second was an easier choice. The 2nd round had already been determined along with the first round days previous. The round moved forward and there were two players being analyzed Jaylon Ferguson and Montez Sweat. The evaluation brought Ferguson and he was promptly switched to LB. The stability of adding two linebackers of Coney and Ferguson has Trojan fans excited. ON a bust, once again part of a good collective.

3rd Round- FB Benny Snell
The draft falling into place in the first two rounds filling the defensive spots. It was time to turn to offense, looking at the best TE, FB, or OL. The view early in the round looked as though FB Hamilton was going to drop. He was starting to be reviewed at the end of the 2nd round and the thought was we may have our man, but Michigan selected him 5 picks before. The analysis determined the best selection would be FB Snell. He will improve the position in blocking schemes and with a good training camp could be a force in the backfield. On a bust, he becomes a backup OL.

4th Round- RG Sean Rawlings
The 4th round was going to be the best available offensive lineman with the choice. Having a huge need for depth, Rawlings brings to the table the potential of not just filling in at RG, but potentially winning the position outright. He has the versatility to play any of the OL spots and should be a nice addition. On a bust, becomes a long term backup.

As the mist was rising off the grass and the sun shining at Howard Jones stadium on the University of California campus, it was a sign. It signaled the start of another Trojans football season beginning. This training camp was different, gone was the steady influence of Athletic Director Byson10 and the arrival of unknown greyghost. It was a sign of transition, but also of renewed hope to return the national championship to Southern California.

There is media hype, and then there is USC media hype. There was no one that was under pressure from the media, fans, and coaches as MLB Te’von Coney. Coney not only impressed the coaches, but NFL scouts that were in attendance, said he could play in the NFL today. “Coney will be a presence every USC opponent might want to get ready for, he will be here for a while” said AD greyghost. Coney not only was in tip top shape but has been named team captain (yes as a freshman) because of his on-field leadership. Coney is the only LB named starter at the junction, he will be joined by a rotation of Jaylon Ferguson, John Houston Jr. and Cameron Smith. Ferguson is the other freshman joining the defense, expected to get playing time, but still needs some development.

On the offensive side of the ball there is a battle that is shaping up at FB, as freshman Benny Snell came into camp overweight and out of shape. On the other hand, incumbent Larry Scanlon has shown some improvement and most likely will get some playing time at running back and tight end, in addition to FB. That is a battle to keep your eye on. Freshman LG Garret Bradbury has shown the willingness to learn and will sit behind Herman Walker his freshman year. The other fairly big news is the vast improvement of the late signing WR Mecole Hardman. Hardman has shown the ability to catch everything thrown his way and has worked with USC/NFL hall of famer Wr Lynn Swann on improving his abilities, in his spare time. He has quickly become one of the fan favorites and is moving up the depth chart. It is early but does the Mecole chant have the same ring as the Rudy chant? I guess only time will tell.

Awesome!!

USC has the proper AD in greyghost
Just what the doctor ordered