Players Are Off to a Strong Start

Looking crisp on the second day of camp Sunday, USC players were saying they are in the best shape of their careers. They have the numbers to prove it.

After spring camp last year, only four players could bench press more then 400 pounds. Now, 25 have surpassed that mark. Only four could power clean more than 300 pounds. Now it’s 32. And every player, even the linemen, registers at under 20% body fat.

But the man who might take much of the credit, new strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle, isn’t interested in numbers.

“It’s the intensity,” he says.

Carlisle gets excited by his work. Sitting in a cramped office beside the weight room, he talks about acceleration and bursts of speed. He pulls out diagrams to explain the concept of triple extension. He jumps up to demonstrate a technique, pounding both hands against the doorway.

Coach Pete Carroll hired him away from Tennessee in February even though Carlisle was undergoing cancer treatment. This act of faith makes Carlisle grow uncharacteristically quiet.

“Coach Carroll believed in me,” he said. “That meant a lot.”

The treatment was successful and Carlisle designed a rigorous off-season program that players are still talking about. The Trojans believe the first two days of practice prove they made the right decision.

“Just an extraordinary guy,” Carroll said. “We’re a different team now.”

Or, as tight end Alex Holmes explained: “It’s much easier to perform if you’re not bending over, wheezing.”

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Cornerback Kris Richard missed the end of practice with a headache after taking a hard fall in a passing drill.

Richard has had a roller-coaster ride the last two days. Upset that he started camp sluggishly, the senior intercepted two passes Saturday afternoon.

“I just felt like I had to get in the groove,” he said. “All the other defensive backs started quick. I took that as a challenge.” Richard was having another strong practice Sunday when he was injured. He is expected back today.

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Senior linebacker Henry Wallace left the team earlier this week but returned after practice Sunday to see Carroll. He declined to talk to reporters.

Freshman receiver David Boler has also left camp. His departure, along with the uncertain status of recruits Marvin Simmons and Ray Tago, could free several scholarships. Carroll said walk-on players will be considered for those spots.

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Cornerback Antuan Simmons missed another day. Team doctors are expected to make a decision on his return this afternoon. “He’s just chomping at the bit, really frustrated right now,” Carroll said.