While Pete Carroll spent Friday body boarding at the Hermosa Beach Pier, and his players enjoyed some much needed down time, Saturday was the Trojans’ final two-practice day as the team prepares for Wednesday’s public scrimmage in the Coliseum. Read on for details of the day’s events in our latest practice roundup.

Who looked good

• Freshman TE Rhett Ellison, who made three catches in the first two scrimmages, is “playing as well as anybody” according to Carroll, and he’s holding his own against veterans Anthony McCoy, Dale Thompson, and Jimmy Miller. Scott Wolf cites Carroll as saying the freshman has “probably been the biggest surprise of camp…He’s not just catching the ball, he’s blocking really well.”
• According to Scout, the cornerbacks clearly got the best of their battles with the receivers Saturday morning, with Carry Harris, Kevin Thomas, and Terrell Thomas each deflecting passes. The unit kept WRs Patrick Turner and David Ausberry contained, a tall order in anyone’s book. In the afternoon practice, according to Carroll, the defenses in general “really were just lights out…The line of scrimmage was really owned by the defense today, and it made a big difference.” (Rivals)

Injuries and problems

• Though he has not been formally cleared by doctors, LT Sam Baker, feeling soreness in his ribs yet improving, participated in nine-on-seven drills against the first-team defense on Saturday morning. Sitting out the last few days also helped rejuvenate his knees.
• Senior RT Drew Radovich, still limited as he recovers from a back injury, participated in nine-on-seven drills with the second team offense. According to Rivals, Radovich said, “I exceeded all expectations, and my back’s feeling good, so I’ve just got to keep getting stronger.” While Radovich clearly wants his starting gig back, Carroll has suggested doing so might be difficult in light of the solid performances by his sophomore replacements Charles Brown and Thomas Herring.
• Senior DE Lawrence Jackson did not practice during either session Saturday feeling “banged up” with a slight shoulder injury. He could be back as soon as Sunday or Monday.
• RB Joe McKnight, who sprained the medial-collateral ligament in his knee, was cleared by doctors, and he will wear a knee brace when he returns to practice in a couple of days.
• CB Kevin Thomas returned from his shoulder injury today. Though not yet cleared for contact, Thomas said he should be ready for the Idaho game.  WR Vidal Hazelton also returned from his groin injury.
• Several players remained out with injuries of varying degree: Safety Will Harris and QB Aaron Corp have sprained ankles, DL Michael Reardon is wearing a brace for a sprained knee, WR Brandon Carswell has a bruised thigh, and WR Travon Patterson remains out with a dislocated toe (though his protective boot has been removed).

Also of note

• Wolf reports that two tiers of tailbacks appear to be emerging, the first with Chauncey Washington as the starter joined by C.J. Gable and Stafon Johnson, both virtually assured of playing time. On the next tier should be Allen Bradford and Broderick Green. McKnight will be featured in a category of his own which will evolve from a Reggie Bush-like receiving back staring position.
• Freshman walk-on kicker Brooke Van Muijen rejoined the team today after being cut last week.
• Carroll announced that QB/safety Garrett Green’s move to wide receiver would be a permanent.
• Safety Josh Pinkard, who has been unofficially challenging Cary Harris to start opposite Terrell Thomas at cornerback, is now officially listed on USC’s roster as a “safety-cornerback.”
• Place kicker David Buehler is confident that the new kickoff rule - moving the tee back five yards - will not hinder his ability to kick the ball into the end zone, but he predicts that opposing kickers won’t be able to match him, allowing for more Trojan returns.
• OG Jeff Byers is not practicing this weekend so he can attend a seminar necessary for his masters degree program.
• According to Scott Wolf, an anonymous back told recently-departed Emmanuel Moody that he’d be the third back on the team, and Moody reportedly responded, “I don’t want to be the third back, I want to be the only back.” If true, Carroll’s SC program clearly never was the place for him.

Trojans start where they want to finish (LA Times)
USC freshman TE Ellison is impressive (LA Daily News)
Practice Insider: Infirmary report, Radovich returns (Rivals, $)
Saturday A.M. Practice Insider: Baker plays, Galippo speaks (Rivals, $)
Saturday Morning Practice Notes/Pics (Scout)