The Trojans came out in shorts, shoulder pads and helmets on Wednesday for another day of prep work for this Saturday's rivalry clash with Notre Dame. Defensive lineman Leonard Williams set the tone early for what would turn out to be an extremely physical practice session, picking up running back James Toland IV on a play during an early 11-on-11 period and body-slamming him to the ground.
"We've been competing all week, and Coach has been telling us to go hard on defense," Williams said. "When the rest of the defensive players see you go hard, everybody else reacts off of it."
USC head coach Steve Sarkisian is hoping that the brand of play that the Trojans have put on display over the last two days carries over to their game in the Coliseum this weekend.
"Our guys were really physical in yesterday's practice, and came back and did it again today, and that's what it's going to take Saturday," Sarkisian said. "It's going to take a really physical performance. Notre Dame is a very physical football team, and as we have navigated through the season we're obviously still trying to find aspects of our game to improve upon, and I think that is one aspect that we can, and I would like to think that by making it a real point of emphasis, we'll reap the benefits of it Saturday."
More on Williams
Much has been made of the fact that the Trojans' upcoming matchup with Notre Dame marks the last game at the Coliseum for a number of seniors on the team, but it might also represent the last home game for a number of draft-eligible underclassmen, most notably Williams. The talented defensive lineman is projected by some to be taken with the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft -- if he so chooses to leave early.
On Wednesday, Williams admitted that he has thought about the possibility of heading to the NFL after this season, but he also said that no decision will be made until after USC's bowl game. He did note, however, that the fact that he has yet to defeat crosstown rival UCLA does not sit well with him.
"I might come back just to beat them," Williams said.
When asked about his star defensive performer following practice, Sarkisian said that it's Williams' work ethic that really sets him apart from most other players.
"He only knows one way to play the game," Sarkisian said. "I think in this day and age of guys reading their names in every potential mock draft and where they're supposed to go, we see so many guys maybe not go as hard all the time, maybe take themselves out and what not. Leonard Williams has not done that once this year, and he has not been 100 percent healthy, but he comes out and he works his tail off, and we're thankful for that."
Injury update
After sitting out practice on Tuesday, freshman tight end Bryce Dixon (concussion-like symptoms) suited up and participated in a portion of Wednesday's workout. "He is not fully cleared, but he was able to do more today," Sarkisian said. "There's a process when you have concussion symptoms, and so far he's on pace to be ready to play."
Leon McQuay III continued to wear a yellow non-contact jersey, but appeared to participate in the entire practice session.
News and notes
For the second consecutive day freshman offensive lineman Damien Mama ran with the No. 1 offense at left guard, while Khaliel Rodgers -- who has started the past three games at the position -- went with the No. 2 group.
Placekicker Andre Heidari had a very good day, connecting on all six of his field goal attempts.
Senior linebacker Hayes Pullard wore the jersey of his high school, Los Angeles (Calif.) Crenshaw, during practice.
Offensive lineman Chad Wheeler, who is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL, watched practice from the sideline.
Sarkisian said that the team will have some Thanksgiving homework on Wednesday night.
"We're all going to write down what we're thankful for," Sarkisian said. "We'll go through it in the team meeting tomorrow, because we need to recognize in life the things that we're thankful for, and we should be gracious that we have, and humble that we have."