2021 USC Football Fall Camp Report #3: First Day of Shoulder Pads

Pads were popping today as the Trojans donned shells for the first time during Fall Camp.

• USC defensive coordinator Todd Orlando commended Robert Stiner and the football sports performance staff for getting the team in shape to go full speed early on in camp. "Once you have a little bit of shield to your body, a little bit more muscle, you have a little bit more confidence," Orlando said. "Because they've done such a good job in the weight room, they feel like they can go all day."
   
• All eyes are on freshman defensive lineman Korey Foreman, the former No. 1 recruit in the nation. But Orlando says the expectations of his teammates are far more important than those coming from outside. "[Foreman] gets pushed by Nick [Figueroa] and the rest of that room ... so I think as long as he can kind of weather that storm with what the upperclassmen expect out of him, the expectations won't be that much for him," he said.
   
• Figueroa praised Foreman's natural athleticism. "He moves really well, he can flip his hips, he's a strong kid," Figueroa said. "He's getting his weight going, he's getting there, but he's still strong even at this weight right now. Once things click, he's gonna be great for us."
   
• Figueroa's father works with Foreman's father, so the two have known each other for a while and are continuing to build their relationship. "I'm just trying to figure out what motivates him so I can be the best mentor that I can be towards him," said Figueroa.
   
• Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Jamar Sekona drew praise from Orlando today. "[Jamar]'s a worker, that's the No. 1 thing," he said. "He's accountable. He really cares. He loves the game ... Give me as many of those guys as possible. He's got grit to him. He's going to be exactly what we ask him to be, and he's going to develop."
   
• With the departure of Marlon Tuipulotu and the injury to Brandon Pili, the Trojans are looking for players to step up on the interior defensive line. "It's definitely a big opportunity," Sekona said. "But whether they're here or not, it's the same mindset for all the defensive linemen: come in and attack. Do what you need to do in your position to make an impact."
   
• Olaijah Griffin's departure also left a hole for cornerback Isaac Taylor-Stuart to fill, and defensive backs coach Donte Williams has been impressed with his growth. "He's become a leader," Williams said. "And now he's gotten to the point where he's comfortable taking chances on the field. And nine times out of 10, if Isaac's taking a chance, I'll put my money on Isaac to make a play."