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USC's Frankie Telfort contributes as student coach in footballApr 13, 2011 (Los Angeles Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- It's still tough for Frankie Telfort. Two years ago, on the eve of his first training camp, the prized recruit had his USC career end before it began after doctors diagnosed a heart condition. The 19-year-old former linebacker is still on scholarship as a student coach, trying to help a depleted linebacker corps that is without three projected starters because of injuries. Making it that much tougher for Telfort: The cerebral Miami native might have been preparing for his third season as a starter. "I definitely feel like I can come in [and play] and help the team out, but I always have to go back to what they told me and how I can't," he said. "So I just try to help out in different ways." Matt Barkley, Robert Woods becoming foundation of USC's offense The 6-foot, 200-pound Telfort attends meetings, is on the field at practice and offers feedback to players and coaches. Linebackers coach Joe Barry recalled Telfort as initially tentative. "He would see something he knew was wrong and he was kind of like, 'I better not say something,' " Barry said. "I told him, 'If you say something I don't agree with or I don't think you should say I'll let you know. But you're out here as a coach.' " Telfort no longer shies from offering his observations and opinions. "If I see any tedious steps or someone doesn't make their assignment and Coach Barry didn't catch it, I'm the one coming in and talking to them," Telfort said. For former USC coach Peter Daland, about to turn 90, life is going swimmingly Telfort, majoring in kinesiology, has said he hoped to become a doctor. But his experience with the Trojans might change his plans. He applied for a summer internship with the Seattle Seahawks and will continue to explore the coaching-career tract. But the desire to play the game will never wane. "That's just something in me. I will always want to be a player," Telfort said. "I'll always think that way." Scroggins No. 2 ... for now Redshirt freshman Jesse Scroggins has taken the lead in the competition to serve as No. 2 quarterback behind Matt Barkley. Coach Lane Kiffin said Tuesday that Scroggins was one of the Trojans' most improved players this spring. Kiffin, however, might not designate a backup going into training camp. "I don't know that we will," he said. "Somebody has to really distance [himself]." The drill of the day featured quarterbacks taking on kickers and other specialists in one-on-one blocking drills. Barkley was excluded. Quick hits Kiffin, on his impressions of Saturday's scrimmage after reviewing film: "We've got a really good receiver, a really good quarterback, a good left tackle, a good tight end and a lot of holes to fill." ... Receiver Markeith Ambles returned after his unexcused absence from Saturday's scrimmage. He spent the morning doing punitive exercises. "I just made a poor decision," he said, adding, "I need to communicate better with my coaches and everything will be better." ... Tailback Marc Tyler did not practice after suffering a concussion Saturday. Tailback Dillon Baxter (ankle) said he hoped to return by Saturday. ... Safety T.J. McDonald had a tooth knocked out during Saturday's scrimmage but kept playing. He was held out of contact drills Tuesday. ... Tight end Xavier Grimble was limited after seeking treatment for chest and shoulder pain Sunday. [email protected] twitter.com/latimesklein To see more of the Los Angeles Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.latimes.com. Copyright (c) 2011, Los Angeles Times Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. |