USC players say they’re coming together under Clay Helton

The emotion isn’t as wild around Clay Helton as it was with Ed Oregon in 2013, but for the second time in two years, USC players are rallying around their interim coach.

USC is 2-1 under Helton (5-3 overall), including a victory over then third-ranked Utah.

“I feel like we are coming together as a unit,” Adoree’ Jackson said after practice Wednesday. “Defensively, offensively and just going out there and having fun and playing for our coach.”

Players said practices are shorter, with more of an emphasis on competing and less of a focus on game-planning for the opponent.

“It’s made a big difference because it’s just the competition we bring against one another, because when we compete, we feel like we have to compete at our highest ability,” safety Chris Hawkins said.

Helton, who tirelessly mentions the “Trojan family” with the media, has brought the term to life with the team. He has reintroduced family dinners on Tuesdays, something Orgeron did when he was interim coach.

“He has made us a real family,” Hawkins said.

Said Rogers: “There are no individuals out here, and we all are trying to have each other’s back. And with Coach Helton, he preaches family tough.”

Four games remain on USC’s regular-season schedule: Arizona, Colorado, Oregon and UCLA.

Rogers said the team could go as far as it wants to under Helton.

“I believe in Coach Helton — we all believe in him — and we will do whatever it takes to win for him,” Rogers said.

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