The Bruins are getting toward the end of their time in balmy San Bernardino, and the heat has finally made an appearance in the Inland Empire. Wednesday saw the mercury hit 104 degrees, with the heat likely to continue through the rest of the week.
Just a couple of quick notes to get us through the early morning.
Chris Foster noted that the Bruins have had a few injury issues - with five members of the O-Line missing time due to injury. Anthony Barr was back fully participating in practice tonight, while after missing some time, both Eddie Vanderdoes and Kylie Fitts participated in individual drills earlier this evening and are a day or two from fully joining practices. All in all, Coach Mora could be facing a much worse situation:
USC had 23 players who could not go through full-contact drills tonight. That means some did practice, like wide receiver Marqise Lee, who did some things but nothing close to getting contact. There are 19 players out who cannot do anything, Kiffin said.
Though if you read Phil Steele, that is totally not a problem for Southern Cal, as their 14-man short squad is so ridiculously deep that they will run away with the division and make a legitimate national championship run. Really, he actually wrote that.
Jack Wang caught up with Myles Jack after practice, while discussing his elite athleticism and versatility inside as well as his expected spot on the outside.
"I’m learning every spot at linebacker," said Jack, whom Rivals.com rated the second-best recruit in Washington state. "I’m learning dime, nickel, outside backer. I’m trying to figure it all out. … I feel like I’m versatile enough to fill those roles."
Coach Mora had a few words to add.
"His technique is not there yet and he grabs a lot, but his athleticism — it’s unbelievable," head coach Jim Mora said. "He lowers his center of gravity. He has great change of direction. Amazing quickness. You’ll see us continue to put him down there and cover some wideouts."
The Bruins will be back on the practice field for Thursday's single practice session at 10:45am.