USC’s new football coach Lane Kiffin on his biggest challenge returning to USC – via the Orange County Register.
“I would probably say, to get this group of players to understand what it was like before (when USC was winning back-to-back national championships in 2003 and 2004), to understand the way players worked (then), the style they played with. There’s a big difference between being confident and cocky. Back then, guys played with great confidence, and there was a swagger, but it wasn’t cocky. It wasn’t celebrating over people because you make a five-yard gain. There were a lot of penalties that happened last year (that need to be eliminated). We want to make sure they understand this is why you win 34 straight games, why you go five straight years at home without a loss, why you have three Heisman winners in four years. That was not done on Saturday. That was done this time of year and in the offseason at 6 in the morning when you’re working out. You have to do it all year round.”
Amen coach.
I can’t say I fault Pete Carroll for his controversial decision to pass over former USC players including safety Taylor Mays. Let’s be honest, last year’s Trojan team was as flawed as they were talented. They had the talent to beat teams like Ohio State but lacked the heart to beat teams like (gag) Washington.
Carroll, however, does earn my praise for bringing LenDale White on board. LenDale was the Thunder to Reggie Bush’s lightning and while Bush got all the love in the media, LenDale was racking up a school record for touchdowns. And he did it without becoming too cocky like Bush, Jarrett, Williams and Joe McKnight.
That’s why LenDale White ranks among my favorite USC players – and why I own a #21 jersey.
