USC head coach Lane Kiffin decided to change things up a
bit. The football team is currently in the middle of a week off from spring
practice.
It comes at a good time, because the Trojans are banged up.
"It's a good thing that we're going on break so we can get some guys
healthy," Kiffin said. "I think the reps of the first (few) days —
so much running on the skill guys — has showed up with all the hamstring issues
because of the limited numbers.
“I'm glad we didn't limit our practices knowing this break
was coming up we still had long, hard practices. We should be in pretty good
shape."
Succumbing to hamstring injuries last week include wide receiver George Farmer,
running back Buck Allen and linebacker Dion Bailey. All sat out last Saturday's
scrimmage.
Tight end is a position Kiffin says is the deepest on the team, but it was razor
thin last week with Xavier Grimble, Junior Pomee and Christian Thomas all
missing in action. Thomas is out recovering from hip surgery, while
Grimble and Pomee are expected to return to the practice field when the Trojans
get back from spring break.
"It's a good thing that we got this week off so I don't have to miss any
(more) practices, so hopefully I'll be ready to go come Tuesday when we come
back, "Bailey said.
It's a format Kiffin adopted for that sole purpose — to allow players time to
get healthy.
"We really believe in this format of putting this after some practices so
that they do get a break and that you get some guys back," Kiffin said. "(It's)
very beneficial. There's a number of guys that are not out for all of the
spring that should come back."
Biletnikoff Award finalist Robert Woods has not practiced yet this spring, while
still recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Kiffin is hopeful the sophomore wideout
can return after the break.
Before the the players left for vacation, Kiffin spoke with them about the need
to "limit distractions" and gave them a last minute reminder: "People
are going to screw it up around the country, let's not be the ones that do
it," Kiffin said.
The head coach is confident his players will be on their best behavior.
"Our guys have done a great job off the field for the most part in our two
years here and we want to continue that," he said. "Those are
distractions when those things happen, so hopefully we'll do a good job."
