USC Training Camp results:
Day 1: MLB Su'a Cravens: +5/-8 36/68
-Cravens entered camp with high confidence after having a stout senior year in Charlotte. While our scouting department praised Cravens by his extreme track record top end speed, there was a mistake made in the analysis of Cravens ability to stay in ideal coverage. It seems as if his transition from high school to college has shooken up his coverage abilities as he is constantly overthinking the opponents route running. His sensational speed at the position was the only praise from camp, but Cravens will need to prove come regular season that he can be an adequate replacement for Joseph Breen.
Day 2: FS Ira Walkup: +8/+4 41/70
-Walkup 'walked up' to our coaching staff with his chest up and spoke in high character that "he will change the way safety is played at USC". While that statement is a mighty bold statement, his training camp could possibly be a slight indication of what to expect from the 209 lb Free Safety. The Jackson, Tennessee product was firing on all cylinders in TC, covering a wide range of the field which impressed HC Chris Sanders. "He's a bright young kid, just knows how to cover the entire field and has a great IQ of what the offense is doing. I'm excited to see what he brings to the table this year." The only knick on Walkup is his rushing defense abilities as well as his odd style of completing the tackle as he is more of a passing oriented defensive back. Walkup will fight against S Joshua Brown for the starting FS spot.
Day 3: QB Mary Plank: +6/+4 36/63
-Looked upon as the eventual 2nd string QB, Plank comes in to USC as a natural pocket passer with great potential. The Santa Monica QB showcased an extremely powerful throwing arm as he pairs alongside Meskow as having an arm that can travel the distance of the field. Plank displayed an impressive hard count in pre-snap drills as well as a solid but not great passing release. Plank wasn't the most accurate in certain passing drills nor the best scrambler, but HC Chris Sanders "sees something special in this guy". While Meskow seems to have the starting job locked down, Plank may add some "girlish" competition to the position and keep Meskow on his heels after a porous Freshman year.
Day 4: TE Jarrod Bolen: +8/+6 36/64
-Bolen comes into USC looking to add some depth to the rushing attack as well as some stints in the passing game from Nashville, Tennessee. Quite the peculiar athlete as Bolen was praised for his speed at the position, but written up for his lack of improvement with the completion of passes. Bolen was highly scouted as a run blocking TE as he showcased great power moves in blocking drills as well as overall awareness on the field. Bolen may not see many throws in his direction, if at all, but he may be a secretive weapon in the passing game since his route running is par.
Day 5: RB Ralph Whitsett: 0/-6 18/36
-Whitsett comes from Chicago, Illinois as a raw and speedy playmaker who was eager to step foot into camp at USC. Unfortunately, the concern of his discipline arose as an issue just days before camp started. On March 14th, Whitsett was arrested for solicitation of prostitution outside the team facility. Whitsett was unable to attend any camp activities. Due to his contract agreements, as well as his pending court date, Whitsett will perform in at least 2 spring games before being subjected to team release and trial.
Overall, the Trojans are pleased with some players progressions and disappointed in others (-8 on a 48 vol???) With the Trojans in position for a possible bowl appearance, this crop of freshman can either make or break this teams season goal.
