Carroll Gets Team Ready in New Way

The USC football team begins its off-season conditioning in earnest this week, which has made for some grim-looking players walking around Heritage Hall.

So Coach Pete Carroll gave them something to smile about.

After a Tuesday afternoon meeting to discuss workouts, Carroll asked his players to reconvene at the Coliseum at 10:30 that night.

Once at the stadium, the new coach delivered a speech on teamwork, then had his players divide into groups for some impromptu 11-on-11 tug-of-war.

“It was random, not offense versus defense,” offensive lineman Lenny Vandermade said. “It was cool. I liked it.”

Carroll and his staff have brought a shot of energy to the program, Vandermade said.

“Very fiery. That’s something new.”