LATIMES.COM/SPORTS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2019D3
JT Danielsstood behind
the fray, helmet on and his
hands on his hips, waiting du-
tifully for his turn.
As a wide-eyed freshman
carrying the weight of tremen-
dous expectation, Daniels
came into camp a year ago
hoping to lay any claim he
could on the quarterback po-
sition. Now, as a sophomore
incumbent, with a convincing
claim made over the course of
11 games last season, Daniels
stood in a not-so-different po-
sition Tuesday, watching
closely as each of USC’s three
other quarterbacks, fighting
for the job he once held, took
equal reps at the helm ahead
of him.
The order in which the
Trojans quarterbacks took
their places under center mat-
tered less than the principle of
their arrangement. Daniels,
who came to USC as the na-
tion’s top-rated quarterback
recruit, is still expected to be-
come the starter. Until that
decision is officially made,
however, the directive to
USC’s quarterbacks during
camp has been that the com-
petition among them is wide
open, and the reps will remain
equal.
As strange as that ar-
rangement might seem on the
surface, it’s just fine with Dan-
iels.
“[Coach Clay Helton]
said it at the beginning of
spring, and he’s maintained
his position,” Daniels said.
“Everybody on the team is up
for competition. There’s a lot
of new coaching. It feels like
there’s a whole new culture
change with the team. You
have to compete every day.”
Helton suggested at Pac-12
media day that USC might
use every practice available to
it ahead of the season before
naming a starter.
But Graham Harrell,
USC’s new offensive coordina-
tor, noted Tuesday that the of-
fense probably can’t afford a
quarterback competition
dragging on quite that long.
“You’ll let them compete
for a while, though,” Harrell
said. “We’re four practices in.
When you’ve only gone four
practices, you have a limited
amount of film to go on. We
have to figure out who’s going
to be playing best come
Aug. 31. Obviously, you’re go-
ing to make a decision on who
the guy is before that point.”
Right now, that appears to
be Daniels, who coaches and
teammates have suggested
looks “more relaxed” in Har-
rell’s wide-open, up-tempo of-
fense.
Daniels himself said that
his understanding of USC’s
new, simplified offensive sys-
tem has grown substantially
since the spring.
But as a competition con-
tinues on for the foreseeable
future, Harrell and the rest of
USC’s staff have challenged
Daniels to do more than sim-
ply grasp the offense. In the
spring, Helton and Harrell
told Daniels that he needed to
prove himself further as aleader.
Of all the quarterbacks,
Daniels “probably had the
most room to improve” in that
regard, Harrell noted, “but
he’s probably taken the big-
gest steps in that aspect.”
Daniels isn’t the only
quarterback who’s taken a no-
ticeable leap since the spring.
Big-armed, early enrollee Ke-
don Slovishas turned heads
over the first week of camp. If
his impressive performance
continues, it’s possible Slovis
could have a chance to move
up the depth chart — perhaps
even past more experienced
options in sophomore Jack
Sears and redshirt junior
Matt Fink.
“He’s been throwing
darts,” Harrell said of the
freshman, who gained
15 pounds between spring
practice and fall camp.
“That’s the Kedon we saw all
spring. He’s got a special arm.
He can make throws that a lot
of people can’t make.”
The same could be said for
Daniels, who had his share of
picturesque throws again
Tuesday.Steele cleared
After a dizzying recruit-
ment saga that led him first to
commit to USC, then sign
with Florida, then ultimately
transfer back to USC after a
brief commitment to Oregon,
five-star cornerback recruit
Chris Steele’swaiver to play
this season has been ap-
proved by the NCAA.
NCAA rules usually re-
quire a transferring player to
sit out a year before being eli-
gible. But the circumstances
of Steele’s transfer, which his
father told The Times in June
was not because of football
reasons, were apparently rea-
sonable enough for the NCAA
to approve him for immediate
eligibility.
USC is still awaiting word
on whether Bru McCoy, aconsensus five-star recruit
from Santa Ana Mater Dei,
will also have his transfer
waiver approved by the
NCAA. McCoy has yet to prac-
tice with the team, as he deals
with an illness.
The circumstances in-
volved in both high-profile
transfers differ greatly. Steele
sought his transfer from Flor-
ida because of the school’s
mishandling of a situation in-
volving his roommate, Gators
quarterback Jalon Jones,
who was accused of sexual
battery by two female stu-
dents. Steele, according to his
father, requested a new living
situation but was denied.
McCoy signed with USC in
January before opting to
transfer to Texas. After prac-
ticing the entire spring in
Austin, McCoy chose to trans-
fer again, back to USC, be-
cause of homesickness.
Whether the NCAA de-
cides to draw the line with Mc-
Coy, given the nature of his
transfer, remains to be seen.
His chances of being granted
a waiver from the NCAA are
believed to be much slimmer
than Steele’s.
Steele, who starred at Bell-
flower St. John Bosco, is a
huge addition for a young
USC secondary that is wide
open. After spending the
spring in Florida, Steele has
been practicing with the team
since camp began as he
awaited word from the NCAA.Iosefa out
Senior linebacker Jordan
Iosefadislocated his patella
and suffered cartilage dam-
age in his knee, Helton said.
Iosefa had surgery Tuesday
and is expected to miss at
least four to six weeks.
Judging by Helton’s reac-
tion, the prognosis could have
been much worse.
“He’s one of the warriors of
our team,” Helton said. “I’m
very happy for him.”USC REPORT
Daniels looks comfortable in new system
By Ryan Kartje
JT DANIELShas been
challenged to grow as a
leader by the coaches.Shotgun SpratlingL.A. Times Given the youthfulness
of the quarterbacks who
have won the last two na-
tional championships, it is
pretty humorous to still
hear prominent folks
around college football —
such as outgoing Big Ten
Commissioner Jim Delany
— clamoring for the good
old days when freshmen
had to sit.
In 2017, Alabama fresh-
man Tua Tagovailoa came
off the bench in relief of a
struggling Jalen Hurts to
rally the Crimson Tide to a
dramatic 26-23 overtime
victory over Georgia. A year
later, Clemson freshman
Trevor Lawrence beat out
incumbent Kelly Bryant
early in the season and led
the Tigers to an undefeated
record that was capped by a
romp over Tagovailoa and
the Tide.
There’s never been a
better time to be a freshman
quarterback, that’s for sure.
If you’ve got game, a smart
coach will give you the
chance to show it from
Day 1.
So who’s next?
With Tagovailoa,
Lawrence, Georgia’s Jake
Fromm and Hurts, who is
now at Oklahoma, there
doesn’t look to be an oppor-
tunity among the projected
top four teams, but itshould be noted that the
nation’s top quarterback
recruit, Oklahoma’s
Spencer Rattler, will be
waiting behind Hurts if he
falters or is injured during
his graduate transfer year
with the Sooners.
Auburn’s Bo Nix, Wis-
consin’s Graham Mertz,
North Carolina’s Sam How-
ell and Arizona State’s
Jayden Daniels are compet-
ing for starting jobs during
their first fall camp.
The most likely fresh-
man stars this season play
running back on top-10
teams.
Louisiana State’s John
Emery Jr., Alabama’s Trey
Sanders and Michigan’s
Zach Charbonnet, who
starred at Westlake Village
Oaks Christian High,
should be in line immedi-
ately for carries.
Or maybe it will be a
defensive player this year?
Oregon defensive end
Kayvon Thibodeaux, an-
other graduate of Oaks
Christian and one of the
top-rated prospects in the
2019 class, has already
stated that his goal is to
compile at least 10 sacks
this season for the Ducks.
With Michigan and
Oregon fans expecting
breakthrough seasons,
count those programs
among the majority that see
the benefit in freshman
eligibility.18 DAYS
TO COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Leading up to the opening games of the season on Aug. 24,
The Times each day will examine the top story lines for 2019.A look at freshmen who might
lead their teams on national stage
By J. Brady McColloughBack in early spring, Char-
gers coach Anthony Lynn
began talking about playing
his regulars less this pre-
season, following what has
become an NFL trend.
But with his team set to
open exhibition play Thurs-
day night in Arizona, at least
two offensive linemen who fig-
ure into the team’s plans
should be busy this month.
Trent Scott and Forrest
Lamplack the sort of experi-
ence desired when protecting
someone such as Philip
Rivers, a franchise quarter-
back not known for his mobili-
ty.
“Not every starter is going
to sit in preseason,” Lynn said
Tuesday. “I got to get the guys
what they need to get ready
for Week 1, and every player’s
different. Trent’s a young
tackle. He needs reps. Forrest
basically has been out for a
couple years. He needs reps.
Those guys are going to get
plenty of playing time.”
Entering his second sea-
son after being undrafted out
of Grambling State, Scott is
trying to replace Russell
Okung at left tackle. Scott
started one game as a rookie,
at right tackle.
Lamp, a second-round
pick in 2017, has had his career
derailed by a knee injury. A
guard, Lamp is competing
mostly with incumbent Dan
Feeney for the spot on the left
of Rivers.
Okung remains sidelined
after suffering a pulmonary
embolism in June. His treat-
ment includes blood thin-
ners, meaning he won’t be
able to play until receiving
medical clearance.
His next checkup is sched-
uled for late this month,
which has the Chargers pre-
paring to begin the season
without him. Okung is enter-
ing his 10th year and has made
two Pro Bowls.
Because left tackle — the
most important position on
the offensive line — is unset-
tled, Lynn said the exhib-
itions become particularly vi-
tal.
“It’s very important just to
get those reps for experience,
just the games up front and
the communication with one
another,” Lynn said. “That’s
the most important thing
with those reps.
“We get a lot of quality reps
in practice. Those guys go up
against two pretty good pass
rushers [Joey Bosa and
Melvin Ingram] every single
day. So I’m not worried about
the competition. But they
need to work together in a
game environment.”
The Chargers have veter-
an starters at center in Mike
Pounceyand right guard in
Michael Schofield. The right
tackle is Sam Tevi, a former
sixth-round pick who started
15 games in 2018.Brown returns
A deep linebacker group
grew even deeper Tuesday
whenJatavis Brownwas ac-
tivated from the physically
unable to perform list and
practiced for the first time
since last season.
He missed the playoffs af-
ter suffering an ankle injury in
the regular-season finale.
Brown started 10 games in
2018 and proved to be a signifi-
cant contributor as the Char-
gers suffered several line-
backer injuries.
“It’s good to see him out
there,” Lynn said. “He’s
picked up pretty much where
he left off. He’s had a good off-
season. He’s had a good camp
so far. We’ll see if he can take it
into games.”
Earlier in camp, Lynn indi-
cated that Brown likely would
return for the Chargers’ third
preseason game, Aug. 24
against Seattle.
The team’s first unofficial
depth chart released this
week has Brown listed as a
third-teamer, though defen-
sive coordinator Gus Brad-
leyfigures to employ several
linebackers in a variety of
packages.
Along with holdovers
Denzel Perryman, Uchenna
Nwosuand Kyzir White, theChargers signed free agent
Thomas Davisand drafted
Drue Tranquilland Emeke
Egbule.
Their linebackers also in-
cludeKyle Wilsonand Nick
Dzubnar, who is more of a
special-teams stalwart.
“It’s very encouraging only
because how we ended up last
year with no linebackers
available,” defensive back
Desmond Kingsaid. “Having
everybody back getting heal-
thy, I think that’s a very good
asset.”
The Chargers’ defense has
been impressive in training
camp. White had a one-hand-
ed interception against Riv-
ers on Tuesday.
“We’ve been making
plays,” King said. “That’s the
thing about having everybody
back and everybody healthy.
There’s really nothing we
can’t do. I feel like we’re a
great team as a defense.”Rivers won’t play
Rivers is among the Char-
gers’ starters who won’t play
Thursday. The veteran enter-
ing his 16th season estimated
that he threw 80 passes dur-
ing two practices with the
Rams last week and after-
ward said the joint workouts
are more valuable than pre-
season games.
The Chargers’ top two
draft picks, defensive tackle
Jerry Tillery and safety
Nasir Adderley, also won’t
play. Tillery just began team
drills in practice as he works
back from offseason shoulder
surgery. He spent time Tues-
day with the first team.
Adderley has been slowed by
a hamstring problem.Depth chart
The Chargers’ unofficial
depth chart lists Rayshawn
Jenkinsas starting at free
safety and Michael Davisat
left cornerback. Those are
two of the positions with the
most competition. White’s
brother, Kevin, is a wide re-
ceiver for Arizona.CHARGERS REPORT
Scott,
Lamp
won’t be
resting
By Jeff Miller
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Forrest Lamp, above, and
Trent Scott need preseason reps, their coach says.Myung J. ChunLos Angeles Timesafter losing to the New Eng-
land Patriots last season.
Littleton, 25, would wel-
come a generous long-term
contract offer from the
Rams, but it has not been of-
fered.
“To be with the same
guys I’ve been with the past
couple seasons would be
awesome,” he said.
But Littleton knows that
NFL teams are in transition
annually: Just look at anoth-
er remade Rams defense.
In the wake of the $135-
million extension that star
tackle Aaron Donald re-
ceived before last season,
the Rams had to make some
roster decisions going into
this season. Defensive line-
man Ndamukong Suh, line-
backer Mark Barron and
safety Lamarcus Joyner
were let go via free agency,
partly because of perform-
ance and partly because of
financial issues. The three
players were paid a com-
bined $35 million in 2018.
The Rams re-signed edge
rusher Dante Fowler to a
one-year deal for $12 million
and then added veteran
safety Eric Weddle and line-
backer Clay Matthews for a
combined $8.75 million this
season, according to over-
thecap.com.
Defensive lineman
Michael Brockers, 28, is car-
rying a salary-cap number of
$10.8 million in the final sea-
son of his contract. Corner-
back Aqib Talib, 33, will re-
ceive $8 million in the final
season of his two-year deal.
In regard to extensions,
Littleton is one of several de-
fensive players for whom the
Rams are apparently taking
a wait-and-see approach, es-
pecially with a massive ex-
tension for quarterback Jar-
ed Goff looming.
Consider:
8 Fowler performed well
after his trade-deadline ac-
quisition last season and —
playing a premium position
— could be in line for a multi-
year contract or perhaps the
franchise tag if he shows ma-
turity and produces an out-
standing season.
8 Cornerback Marcus Pe-
ters will be paid slightly
more than $9 million this
season playing on a fifth-
year option. He is a candi-
date for an extension or, pos-
sibly, the franchise tag in
2020.8 Safety John Johnson,
an ascending star, will re-
ceive slightly more than
$867,000 in his third season
and will be in line for a pos-
sible extension before his
fourth if he maintains his
trajectory.
Inside linebackers in 3-4
defensive schemes are not
apt to generate the atten-
tion, eye-popping stats — or
the paycheck — that outside
linebackers historically have
received.
Littleton said his focus
was on preparing for the sea-
son and winning the Super
Bowl — not his contract.
“Once we get to the sea-
son, everything is about the
season,” he said. “After the
season’s over, we’ll see what
happens.”
The arrival of Weddle, a
12-year veteran who calls de-
fensive signals, should free
Littleton of some responsi-
bility and enable him to
make more plays.
Weddle often adjusts cov-
erages before and after the
offense snaps the ball. Some
players, Weddle said, have
difficulty with the concept.
Not Littleton.
“He can think on the fly, is
very instinctual, and, obvi-
ously, he’s athletic and can
do things a lot of other guys
can’t,” Weddle said. “He’s su-
per humble and has no ego.
“It was imperative that
we would work great to-
gether. ... It’s been great.”
The 6-foot-3, 228-pound
Littleton backed up, and
then started alongside, Bar-
ron the last three seasons.
Now, Littleton is the mentor
for young linebackers such
as Micah Kiser, who is com-
peting with Bryce Hager tostart at the other inside
spot.
Littleton is “the most
underrated player” in the
NFL, Kiser said.
“He can play every line-
backer position,” Kiser said.
“If they asked him to play
line, I bet he could play D-
line. I bet he could play safe-
ty.
“He’s just very versatile,
very athletic. But at the
same time, he’s so smart. ...
He’s a really calming pres-
ence, so it’s really good to
play next to him.”
Also, in front of him as an
edge rusher.
“He’s like one of those
kids in school — they look
like they’re not paying atten-
tion and then the teacher
asks them something and
they just like tell you exactly
what [the answer] is,” Fowl-
er said. “He knows every-
thing, inside-out.”
Last week, Littleton and
the defense performed well
in two practices with the
Chargers. On Wednesday
and Thursday, they will
practice with the Oakland
Raiders in Napa in prepara-
tion for their preseason
opener Saturday in Oakland
and the Sept. 8 season
opener at the Carolina Pan-
thers.
“We’re showing a lot of
good signs,” Littleton said.
“Just trying to fit everything
together so we’re ready for
Week 1.”Etc.
Linebacker Justin
Lawler was scheduled to
have foot surgery Tuesday,
McVay said after a one-hour
walkthrough in Thousand
Oaks. Lawler, a seventh-
round draft pick in 2018,
played in every game and
made six tackles as a rookie.
... The Rams signed punter
Brock Miller, who can also
serve as a kicker during the
preseason, McVay said.
Miller, 28, has spent time
with the San Francisco 49ers
and New York Giants but
has not played in a game.
Having Miller on the pre-
season roster enables punt-
er Johnny Hekker and kicker
Greg Zuerlein a respite from
preseason games. ... Line-
backer Samson Ebukam’s
participation in workouts
with the Raiders was ques-
tionable because of ham-
string tightness, McVay
said.Littleton has displayed
versatility with Rams
[Rams,from D1]‘He’s got great
instincts, great
awareness. Cory
had a great
season last year
where he really
demonstrated that
he’s a big-time
linebacker.’
— Sean McVay,
Rams coach, on LittletonFOOTBALL