USC’s QB Plan Confuses QBs

Miscommunication not helping USC quarterback competition

Interim coach Donte Williams has put both Kedon Slovis and Jaxson Dart in a tough position

Adam Grosbard (OC Register)  —  LOS ANGELES — Trying to walk the tightrope of an in-season quarterback competition, where USC finds itself eight games into this campaign, requires a deft touch. There has to be communication between all parties, so everyone is on the same page and understands their roles.

That does not appear to have been the case last week for USC as junior Kedon Slovis and freshman Jaxson Dart began a platoon of sorts at QB.

The dissonance became apparent immediately following Saturday’s victory over Arizona. After the Wildcats cut the USC lead to seven with six minutes left in the fourth quarter, it was Dart who was sent in to lead the offense with the game on the line.

It seemed like a statement of intent about how USC views the quarterbacks. Why else would you put in a true freshman over a third-year starter for the most pivotal drive of the game?

The issue is that neither Slovis nor Dart knew that was the plan. Both said they did not know who would play quarterback in that situation until Dart was told to take the field.

Asked about that disconnect on Sunday, Williams offered this answer:

“You have to make sure Jaxson is fully back. When he got in there in the game, a whole week of practice, making sure where his mind was at. Even the first drive he was in, he led us on I believe a 96-yard scoring drive, but at the same time, he made a couple reads and checks that were wrong. The second time he went back out, he pretty much started making the right reads. So we had to make sure he was fully in the game and knew what was going on to make that assessment. Even Kedon. When I talked to Kedon the day before the game, he knew that Jaxson was going in in the fourth quarter. He thought Jaxson was going to go in the game with a bigger lead, but he didn’t know at that time with a seven-point lead. We stuck to the plan that was already deviated.”

So, Williams was asked again, you did tell Slovis that Dart would be the quarterback in the fourth quarter?

So USC did not deviate from the plan in the fourth quarter, though it had already deviated from its original plan during the first quarter. And the plan was communicated to Slovis, except not even Dart was sure that he was going to lead USC on that fourth-quarter drive until his number was called.

“Honestly, I have no idea,” Dart said after the game. “I was just kind of told I was going in the game. And we just went from there.”

Williams has not been forthcoming with updates about the team since taking over as interim head coach early in the season. When Dart had his breakout performance against Washington State, Williams hyped the possibility of a quarterback competition up until the Thursday of the next week. Later that day, it was reported that Dart had surgery to repair a torn meniscus on his knee.

Asked days later what Dart’s timeline to return was, Williams described Dart as “day-to-day” because “it’s not like he has the knee brace on or anything like that.” But Dart was on the sideline for the game a night earlier with a large brace around his right knee.

But this isn’t the same as keeping information from the media. By dancing around this subject, Williams is putting Slovis in a position to answer questions about his standing with the team that could have been cleared up by his head coach.

“It’s tough. Obviously, you want to be in and you think you give your team the best chance to win,” said Slovis, who has been a good soldier through all of this per Williams, offensive coordinator Graham Harrell and Dart. “But again that’s Coach’s decision, you let Coach kind of make the best decision for the team at the time.”

The expectation is that USC will continue to split time between Slovis and Dart, though neither Williams nor Harrell confirmed and neither Slovis nor Dart knew the plan after Monday’s practice. Slovis got the first-team series during the 11-on-11 period, and the two split first-team reps against the scout team later.

Whatever the decisions are moving forward, Williams owes Slovis the courtesy of communicating it clearly at least behind closed doors, even if Slovis isn’t demanding anything.

“I’m not really looking for answers or anything like that,” Slovis said Monday. “My job is to play quarterback and execute my job the best way possible.”

ocregister.com

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Rushmore
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November 3, 2021 4:33 pm

Faith, family, football, foolish athletic director=fat contract/fat Cat

John Weld
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November 3, 2021 4:09 pm

PJ Fleck just signed a new 7 year contract with Minnesota.(Yahoo Sports)

Steveg
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November 3, 2021 3:12 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Along with his off the field problems I have read it is possible Herm will be gone as well as the AD that hired him.

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2021 5:23 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I think Zemek is just trying to gin up hope for the Trojan rah rahs. ASU played a bad 2nd half against Utah and a bad 1st half against WSU. They outscored WSU 14-6 in the 2nd half. ASU will turn it on against the rudderless Trojans. Without London SC will move up and down between the 20s and score field goals while ASU will roll through the porous D of the Trojans.

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2021 11:48 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Roid Rage? Glad he is their problem not ours.

UtahTrojan
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November 3, 2021 5:21 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Chip has never been big on holding his players accountable for off the field issues. Glad this kid is no longer a Trojan. He is a bomb waiting to go off.

LawyerJohn
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November 3, 2021 7:57 am

Everybody clamoring for “toughness” in their favorite football team. ‘Tough’ is tough to teach. Some guys just cannot get to that level of ‘toughness’ fans and coaches are demanding. Be mellow and cool parading around campus, but when on the football field, turn into a violent hitting machine. Get out of my way “Jekyll and Hyde,” I’m the first in line.

UtahTrojan
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November 3, 2021 4:20 am

Toia, wearing a black UCLA Jordan Brand hoodie, then went on an expletive-ridden rant threatening violence towards any Trojans, clarifying on multiple occasions that he would physically harm women as well. Toia stood in the elevator door preventing the young men and women from leaving, despite their repeated requests for him to let them go.

this will be interesting to follow. Should be multiple. Charges of false imprisonment. But how will the “woke” administration of ucla handle the sexist remarks?

TrojanRJJ
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November 3, 2021 8:34 am
Reply to  UtahTrojan

Obviously, the young man needs mental health help. I hope he gets it. This is the type of crime that shows a troubled soul. Also as obvious, he should not be playing football unless he is receiving and cooperating in treatment.

Rock2112
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November 3, 2021 4:46 pm
Reply to  UtahTrojan

This looks like a classic combo of mommy issues, unchecked ego, and alcohol. It’s also a cry for help that would hardly have gone noticed in the 70s or 80s. Who knows what will come of it, but I am not outraged. To be outraged is to fall into the trap of our new cell-phone driven society suggesting that we fly off the handle at every transgression or bad word. No one got hurt, and the guy’s just exposed himself as a jerk that needs help and guidance before he does something that WILL ruin his life (and maybe someone… Read more »

Steveg
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November 2, 2021 8:28 pm

Big difference in peoples thinking between big city and small towns. GA. Southern sees a man of faith and integrity. To them that counts a lot. This was a perfect hire for both sides, it is where Clay belongs.

Steveg
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November 3, 2021 4:52 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

We can watch and see if he learned anything or not. I wish him well, and I hope he finds a level of success that the school is happy with.

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2021 5:37 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He already has lied to GS fans,
Helton introduced himself to fans and heralded “grit, toughness, and discipline” as tenets of the program he now plans to build in Statesboro, Ga.
Grit, toughness and discipline, three things USC is not because of him.

alfa1
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November 3, 2021 11:42 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He steps right into the Part….just like an actor …

Phony Putz !

Rock2112
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November 3, 2021 4:52 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

My bigger fear is that Helton DID understand the real expectations at USC (in a post Sark/Kiffin world). I mean, he was our coach for seven years and even in his best years it was clear he was not coaching up to standards. We’ll know more with the next hire, the wisdom of it, and the level of commitment that we show to realizing that person’s vision of a successful program.

alfa1
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November 3, 2021 6:44 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I’m sure he’ll get the Ice Cream truck to come by after Wednesday Practices

PN4SC
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November 2, 2021 9:41 pm
Reply to  Steveg

I disagree. Clay has no business running a Sun Belt program. Sometime next year, after a bad defeat, he will spouting the same nonsense to the Georgia Southern media and fan base.
He will succeed there at the same level that fat Charlie Weiss did at Kansas.

Steveg
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November 3, 2021 4:56 am
Reply to  PN4SC

Yet, for some reason he appealed to them and got the job. Success has levels and perhaps they are not looking for a NC like USC is. I can’t predict what or how much success he will have but you have that ability which is really a gift.

LawyerJohn
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November 2, 2021 8:24 pm

Did you ever stop to think that if SC wins 3 and Utah loses 4, SC is in. Odds of that occurring probably start at a 1000-1. But would you bet your last million dollars on that “sure” bet to win a mere $1000?

LawyerJohn
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November 2, 2021 8:11 pm

SC figured it was “only” Arizona, a lay-down game, and so it was a good chance to play their 2 quarterback. Communication of this strategy was apparently miscommunicated to the 2 young men, but does a coach “owe” that duty to them anyway?– he is the coach afterall. Anyway, time for a breather, baseball is over at last. I don’t know about you but I was riveted during those nearly 200 games the Dodgers played last year. Seriously, could we not get by with a shorter baseball season? And the Milwaukee Braves, world champs. What you say, I got it… Read more »

misterusc
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November 2, 2021 7:27 pm

Allen, I don’t care what anybody says… Clay will take his bad habits with him. He’s no different from the reason us. I’m just glad he’s no longer our problem.

TrojanRJJ
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November 2, 2021 6:55 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Hard to believe but good for Clay. He is not simply retiring on his money. I was correct that no Power 5 team would take him. I cannot imagine the GA Southern base is thrilled with the hire. May The Cat prove us all wrong.

TrojanRJJ
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November 2, 2021 6:56 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

As an aside, Sexton is an amazing agent. I would avoid his clients. He is that good!

volunteerTrojan
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November 2, 2021 8:37 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Heard that before.

Steveg
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November 2, 2021 4:48 pm

Cincy got screwed. Royal.

Chris
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November 2, 2021 5:22 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Good news if you hope Luke lands here.

Steveg
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November 2, 2021 5:58 pm
Reply to  Chris

USC needs all the help they can get.

TrojanRJJ
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November 2, 2021 6:59 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Steveg, This great news for SC. We should now be pulling for the Ducks to run the table. If they do, Cindy will be eliminated. Finkel will then know if he wants to compete for the NC, SC is his ticket.

Steveg
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November 2, 2021 8:25 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

Counting on it and there is no reason it cannot happen.

volunteerTrojan
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November 2, 2021 8:40 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Good luck and good riddance.

alfa1
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November 2, 2021 3:39 pm

247 Sports Matt Howe

Helton accepts head coaching position at Georgia Southern.
will be introduced this Thursday. Big life style change from P.V. Estates to Statesboro for Miss Angela and family.
Compensation 800K annually. Probably the best Sexton could do.

UtahTrojan
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November 2, 2021 11:34 am

I know Donte was already out of the running, but I don’t think he has done anything to improve his chances with another team. Granted he is working with an extreme case of Heltonitis. no discernible improvement to the team at all. Said players would be held accountable and they have not. His position group has shown to be a liability. His strength is recruiting, but we obviously have been recruiting the wrong players. And now he is keeping his own two quarterbacks in the dark. yes he is an improvement over Hugs, but what my dog regularly leaves in… Read more »

Jamaica
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November 2, 2021 3:41 pm
Reply to  UtahTrojan

We cannot hold Donte accountable for most of the players on this team as they were recruited by Helton before Donte was brought in. Having said that, does anyone expect noticeable changes after the season started and Helton was removed? Yes Donte is showing he isn’t what USC needs in a HC, far from it. Donte’s main responsibility is keeping this program working until the end of the season. In reality, he is just copying what Helton did in letting Orlando & Harrell do the gameplanning, running the practices and doing what little game management he can accomplish.

UtahTrojan
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November 2, 2021 8:08 pm
Reply to  Jamaica

I hold him accountable for not doing what he said he was going to do. I hold him accountable for having one of the weakest position groups on the team. He has also proven himself to not be a straight talker.
he can leave with the rest of them.

Chris
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Chris
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November 2, 2021 10:44 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I know you’re honest, but are you being nice? I would have a real hard time trying to find a silver lining for coach Clay.

San Diego Trojan
November 2, 2021 11:24 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I didn’t think he would be in demand for any head coaching job this soon, but he probably realized that this is the level of program that is the best fit for him from an expectation standpoint, and maybe Georgia Southern likes the fact that he is from a high profile program, and had a winning record. Not sure how many other ex Power 5 coaches would have been even interested in the position. He can exist in relative anonymity knowing he already has enough money to be comfortable the rest of his life. He can give it another shot… Read more »

volunteerTrojan
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November 2, 2021 9:01 pm

Yes. Lane Kiffen. But Lane has one thing Clay doesn’t…a clue.

alfa1
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November 2, 2021 11:38 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Wait till he hits them with the Faith, Family and Football routine, he will immediately become a Sun Belt SuperStar….how sweet.

Chris
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Chris
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November 2, 2021 12:46 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Clay took faith, family, football from Dabo. He’s done pretty well with it.

Chris
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Chris
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November 2, 2021 2:24 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Like you, I don’t care what the slogans are if they win. Best coach I ever had was a man of few words. Basketball coach that got the point across really quickly and then drilled it in through a million reps. He also had the quickest hook ever for anyone not giving their best effort. The bench was his best assistant coach.

Steveg
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November 2, 2021 4:21 pm
Reply to  Chris

HC I worked for was strong on faith family and football. Every day at practice ending he would assemble the players together and would tell them things like when they get home give their mom a hug and he would give them something to pray about every day. He had a great run in CIF playoffs. Coached solid football and won a lot of games.

Steveg
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November 2, 2021 4:27 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

John Monger, Chino High
One thing about him was that he never forgot a players name. Guys that played for him over 10 years previously we would run into them and he would know their name and what position they played. Incredible man for sure.

Chris
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November 2, 2021 10:30 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

That’s a strange quote. I’m pretty sure Bohn will know what’s going on. There must be intentional disconnect between atheistic dept and administration, it’s strange but typical USC. Can’t we just hire a good coach and not have to worry about this type of nonsense? I sure hope so.

Chris
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November 2, 2021 11:10 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I agree with you. Donte can recruit, but whatever new coach wants he should get.

Steveg
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November 2, 2021 6:03 pm
Reply to  Chris

USC now has an atheistic dept? Sign of the times I guess.  :wpds_wink: 

RialtoTrojan
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November 2, 2021 10:35 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I’ve seen this quote somewhere, no matter I agree. I thought the logic behind making Donte interim coach was his recruiting prowess. I am not too impressed by his position group coaching or his recruit’s performance thus far. If you want a recruiter Ed. O is available (not for head coach) and his position group could lead the team

Chris
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November 2, 2021 10:03 am

Clay Helton is going to be the next head coach at Georgia Southern. It’s supposed to be announced in the next 24-48 hours. Maybe it’s a landing spot for this staff. I don’t really care, but it’s crazy that it could happen.

RialtoTrojan
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November 2, 2021 10:30 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

How many lives does he have left? Maybe, if Orlando doesn’t become the president of a fishnet company (full of holes like his defense) he can come with. Harrell is up for the TCU job I’ll wager.

Steveg
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November 2, 2021 6:05 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Was it Heltons reach or was it showing a limited Bohn reach. Either way, glad he is going away.

Steveg
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November 2, 2021 6:04 pm
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Wouldn’t he be a better fit at Texas Tech?

UtahTrojan
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November 2, 2021 11:37 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Is it April 1st?

Steveg
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November 2, 2021 7:36 am

Watching AZ send in QB’s as if they were like winded WR’s looked ridiculous to me as nobody got any groove or momentum going. USC looked the same way, only a little better, but they surprised the QB’s and the unknowing of when you are going in is just a little unsettling and it showed. It showed the immaturity of the HC and OC.

TrojanRJJ
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November 2, 2021 8:56 am
Reply to  Steveg

Steve, Bingo! Donte is simply not ready to be a HC. Harrell is an immature OC learning on the job. Their problem is Kedon is the best QB they have (that was obvious to me on Saturday) but has topped out (even regressed quite a bit). Dart has a higher potential. And our D stinks. The O will need to score in the 40’s for this team to stand a chance. Kedon could not do that with London.

Steveg
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November 2, 2021 6:07 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Hopefully we have a hire before Christmas.

volunteerTrojan
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November 2, 2021 9:05 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Me too. He’s passed Franklin in my rankings.

Steveg
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November 3, 2021 3:09 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I keep agreeing, I think Aranda is a football genius.

RialtoTrojan
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November 2, 2021 6:36 am

Watching the game I thought Williams was trying to get something going. As good as Slovis can be, he wasn’t all that good in the second half. I don’t understand why the team poops out every third quarter, but they do.
I joked once that Helton was passing out the snack bar money at half time (the way the West Covina Eagles PW coach did at the end of the game) and the team thought the game was over, but I was really joking.
could be our half time adjustment is wrong?

PN4SC
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November 2, 2021 6:13 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I personally think Chip is a lying dirtbag, and his people skills suck, resulting in him not recruiting at the highest level. But fucla is getting better under his watch, and I fully expect them to beat us like a drum in 3 weeks.
I can’t believe that the administration there is thinking of firing him now. I wish they would. I think that move would set the bruins back.

RialtoTrojan
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November 2, 2021 7:19 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

New Motto for the PAC 12 : The conference of crappy coaches.
How many elite coaches does the conference have? Maybe Cristobal or Shaw, But Wilcox, Dorrell, Fisch, Helton/Williams, Kelly ?

rleeholder1
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November 1, 2021 11:25 pm

I remember when John Robinson platooned Brad Otton and Kyle Wachholtz. One would play the first and third quarters and the other would play the second and fourth. It seemed to work fairly well but Wachholtz got hurt and Otton finished up the season and led USC to a Rose Bowl win over Northwestern. It seemed as though each player knew what two quarters they were going to play rather than the current guessing game going on now. Just another example of USC’s inept coaching these days.

danielmcd1
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November 2, 2021 6:11 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Allen, If you recall, Coach McKay would recruit and I think Pete Carroll did also to get the best players possible even if it was not for a particular need at a particular position. Just recruit and sign the best possible players. Example, Remember Steve Grady form Loyola in Los Angeles. He was a back up to O. J. Simpson and only played in a full game when OJ had a sprained ankle in 1967, I believe. Grady was ALL WORLD at Loyola and barely got a sniff at playing time. The attitude should be to get all the best… Read more »

alfa1
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November 2, 2021 5:54 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I feel your post sums up the entire PAC12 conference