USC football: Trojans ready to practice in full pads at training camp

After practicing in helmets for two days and helmets and shoulder pads for two more, USC players will don full pads for the first time during Friday’s workout.

The Trojans will perform live tackling drills during the workout, take Saturday off and then return Sunday.

The majority of practices during training camp and the season are conducted in helmets and shoulder pads. Coach Steve Sarkisian has preached the importance of keeping players “off the ground” during the workouts.

On Thursday, he stopped practice at the Coliseum and had players run sprints because they were not abiding by the philosophy. Several players had been pulled to the turf.

“It was time to send a little bit of a message to get their attention and I thought they responded very well,” Sarkisian said, adding, “I’m not worried about the guy making the tackle or the guy getting tackled. I’m worried about the other 20 players on the field that can get rolled up on.”

USC opens Aug. 30 against Fresno State at the Coliseum.