Trojans’ focus shifts back to the practice field

As mock game week continued Wednesday morning for the     No. 8-ranked USC  football team, controversy was still in the air surrounding head coach Steve Sarkisian and his actions at the annual Spirit of Troy fundraiser last week.

“It was great to get back on the field,” Sarkisian said. “Today I felt at home coaching football.”

After Tuesday’s visibly taxing press conference, Sarkisian appeared his normal, upbeat self after practice on Wednesday.

“When you have to take on things and give things up about yourself it takes a toll on you,” Sarkisian said.

Sarkisian also confirmed that he has had a meeting with President C. L. Max Nikias.

“It went great,” Sarkisian said of their conversation.

Sarkisian said the team had a productive day at practice.

“We did some game plan stuff moving forward for Arkansas State,” Sarkisian said.  “We also did some competition things where they got to compete offense versus defense.”

Sarkisian expressed his excitement with the team’s enthusiasm and its overall “embrace the day” attitude.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Sarkisian said on a successful day of practice.

Sarkisian also drew attention to the fact that USC is currently in its first week of fall classes, unlike many schools on its schedule.

Arkansas State, however, will be suffering the same situation as USC, as its first day of classes was also Monday.

On a similarly positive note for the Trojans, redshirt junior left tackle Chad Wheeler returned to practice following a concussion. He was also cleared for full contact in another major step on his way to recovering from a knee injury suffered last season.

“It gives us the versatility and tempo that we want to play with,” Sarkisian said on how Wheeler’s return will impact a veteran line. “It means guys don’t have to save themselves, knowing there’s another guy who can come in and play for him.”

After a very thin season last year, the offensive line is looking forward to a stronger year. Though the final five starting linemen have not been determined, Sarkisian expressed his joy at having another lineman to discuss.

“We’ve got a little time over the next few days to sort through that,” Sarkisian said.  “But it’s obviously a nice luxury to have Wheeler back.”

Wheeler’s return pushed sophomore Toa Lobendahn to right tackle, which is the versatile lineman’s fourth position since training camp opened.

Despite Wheeler’s confident return to the gridiron, the Trojans are facing a slew of injuries, though most do not appear to be very serious.

Highly touted tailback Ronald Jones II was limited for his second straight day of practice. Sarkisian said the freshman did not feel well but declined to specify any further.

Redshirt senior Antwaun Woods suffered a shoulder injury that Sarkisian said was not serious ; however, it did limit the defensive tackle to individual work.

Redshirt junior tight end Taylor McNamara suffered an apparent right ankle injury and did not participate in the latter half of practice. McNamara is a transfer from Oklahoma using the graduate transfer exemption to gain immediate eligibility for the Trojans this summer.

Freshman safety Ykili Ross did not practice following his injury during Tuesday’s practice.

Ross had a sling on his right arm and an ice pack on his right shoulder.

Junior tailback Justin Davis missed another day of practice following a rib injury.

“We’re going to have ups and downs when it comes to player injuries and what not,” Sarkisian said in a post-practice media interview that primarily revolved around injuries.

The coach was able to put a positive spin on the situation though.

“I think these are invaluable reps for some of our younger players,” Sarkisian said. “The goal is by next Monday to have as healthy of a football team as we can possibly have moving toward our first game.”