Last Practice at Home Sinks in With Seniors

USC seniors anticipate a range of emotions today when the Trojans practice for the final time this season at Howard Jones Field.

“It is going to feel kind of weird, kind of sad,” Derek Graf, a fifth-year senior center said Sunday. “I remember how exciting it was the first day I stepped on that field for my first practice. So I’m going to make sure I take the time to appreciate the last one.”

As a salute to former assistant coach Marv Goux, USC players tap the top of the doorway every time they pass through Goux’s Gate to enter the practice facility. Senior wide receiver Kareem Kelly said he would continue to tap in at practice sites as a pro.

“It reassures you,” he said. “You leave all your problems behind and focus on the job at hand.

“These four years have gone by fast. It’s hard to believe this is the last one.”

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Offensive coordinator Norm Chow said that he spoke again with Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart regarding the school’s head-coaching position but declined to comment further.

Barnhart also reportedly spoke with Central Florida Coach Mike Kruczek and South Carolina defensive coordinator Charlie Strong on Sunday.

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USC Coach Pete Carroll said the Trojans should not have problems dealing with the distractions of Miami at the Orange Bowl after playing a bowl game in Las Vegas last season.

“Las Vegas was an extraordinary environment, the most difficult place you could possibly go to,” Carroll said. “Miami is a wonderful place, but you still have to work hard to avoid incidents.”

USC will take its own security detail to Miami and will augment it with officers from South Florida. The Trojans are staying in a hotel closer to Fort Lauderdale than South Beach.

“I’m not really worried about the guys having a good time,” Carroll said. “You can’t help but have some fun. But it’s clear we’re going down there to play real good football and see if we can finish this season up right.”

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Carroll identified freshman tight end Dominique Byrd, defensive linemen LaJuan Ramsey and Van Brown and defensive back William Buchanon as players who made significant strides during the last two weeks of practice.... The Trojans will be off Tuesday and Wednesday before leaving for Miami on Thursday.