USC FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: Penn State transfer Silas Redd says he's up to speed on Trojans playbook

Tailback Silas Redd is less than two weeks into his USC career but feels dramatically different going into today's second scrimmage.

Redd's crash course in learning the offense appears to be paying off, as he can now run most of the playbook.

"I feel much better about the offense and getting acclimated to it," Redd said.

"I know this is the final exam (today). Whatever I get thrown into, I'm ready for it. (But) The real test is Hawaii."

Although Redd said he knows the offense, he stressed it isn't easy learning the playbook.

"Don't get me wrong, it's been incredibly challenging learning the offense," he said.

Redd said two areas he wants to improve are blocking and receiving. He caught only nine passes last year at Penn State, which did not throw often to the backs.

But Redd said he not afraid of catching more passes.

"I feel very comfortable catching the ball," Redd said.

Left-tackle debate

Although true freshman Max Tuerk's been a revelation at left tackle, Kiffin made it clear sophomore Aundrey Walker would start if his sore shoulder is healed.

"If Aundrey was full speed, he would start," Kiffin said.

Big scrimmage

Kiffin said the defensive line, better tackling and the younger players are his three top priorities going into today's scrimmage at the Coliseum, which is closed to the public.

"They're going to have to perform," Kiffin said of the less-experienced players. "This is usually where they

divide. You're going to see a division (today), unfortunately, of guys who can do it and guys who can't."

Besides Tuerk, Kiffin said defensive tackle Leonard Williams and wide receiver Nelson Agholor were the top new players in camp. Agholor has been limited recently because doctors discovered he has asthma.

New walk-on

Quarterback Conner Sullivan of Orange Lutheran High School joined the roster. Sullivan passed for 1,193 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

Same speed

Kiffin said quarterbacks Matt Barkley, Cody Kessler and Max Wittek all have the same foot speed.

"They all run about the same 40 (time)," he said.

Who is No. 3?

Freshman Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick is trying to become the Trojans' third tight end behind Xavier Grimble and Randall Telfer.

"We do need to find a third guy," Kiffin said.

Cope-Fitzgerald is not yet allowed to speak to the media but Grimble said the freshman will play as long as he knows the offense.

"Kiffin wants players he can trust with any calls," Grimble said.

Source: http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_21347337/usc-football-notebook-penn-state-transfer-silas-redd?source=rss_viewed

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