Defense Controls Offense in Drills

The first day of full-contact drills at USC training camp was a good day for the defense.

Linemen penetrated the backfield. Linebacker Matt Grootegoed intercepted a Carson Palmer pass. Safety Troy Polamalu leveled receiver Marcell Allmond on a route across the middle.

“The defense whipped our butts from the first practice to the last,” receiver Kareem Kelly said. “We have to raise our level of intensity.”

In his role as defensive coordinator, Pete Carroll praised his squad’s active, aggressive play. As coach, he preached patience, saying the offense always lags behind at the start of camp.

“I’m not worried,” he said. “Too early for that.”

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The kicking game, much maligned last season, is still a long way from being decided, but junior college transfer David Davis is making an excellent first impression.

On Tuesday, he finished the morning session by kicking several field goals from 40 yards.

“My nerves set in when I first came out here with the team,” Davis said. “As the days go on, I’m getting a little more comfortable.”

Carroll still wants to see more consistency from the newcomer. In the meantime, he said senior David Newbury is leading the competition to handle kickoffs.

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Offensive guard Derek Graf injured his right knee in the morning practice. The redshirt junior went down on a simple running play, grabbing his leg.

“All we know is he twisted the knee,” Carroll said. “It was hurting him pretty good.”

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The competition for middle linebacker is heating up. Aaron Graham emerged from spring ball atop the depth chart, but redshirt junior Mike Pollard has been splitting time with the first team .... After a morning in full pads, Carroll had the team in shorts by afternoon. “In the past, that’s the way I’ve done it,” he said .... Tailback Malaefou MacKenzie, who knocked knees with a defender, and tight end Doyal Butler, who injured his shoulder, were to be examined Tuesday night.