The Trojans practiced in pads, shorts, and helmets Monday, with Pete Carroll giving John David Booty the day off to keep his arm fresh. Most media outlets are focused on the dismissal of Jamere Holland, the transfer of Emmanuel Moody (and the possible transfer of Shareece Wright), but the Trojans’ practice beat moves on. One man’s loss is another’s opportunity. Read on for details of the day’s events in our latest practice roundup.

Who looked good

• Punter Greg Woidneck had a very good day, hitting one punt 60 yards and another 42 with plenty of hang time.
• Pass protection was impressive Monday, with the offensive line making life significantly easier for the backs. According to Rivals, the chemistry between running backs and linemen appeared much improved from earlier in camp.

Injuries and problems

• DE Lawrence Jackson fully participated in team drills Monday after sitting out most of the past two days. RT Drew Radovich increased his workload Monday, participating in 9-on-7s and 11-on-11s.
• RB Joe McKnight was again held out, and Carroll clarified that he’ll be back on the field when he can cut full speed without problems.  On McKnight’s versatility once he’s healed up, the coach added, “He’s maybe stronger as a receiver than as a running back.”
• K David Buehler converted an extra point and a 42-yard kick, and he missed from 33 and 53.  Am I the only one mildly concerned about Buehler’s not-insignificant number of practice misses?

Also of note

• Carroll reiterated that dismissing Jamere Holland was “the right thing to do, and [Holland] didn’t disagree really.” According to the LA Times, teammates and others close to the program said Holland had trouble grasping the commitment necessary to participate in a program as demanding as USC’s. According to Rivals, USC learned that other schools have been making contact with its players in a “subtle and just kind of secondary fashion,” but Carroll told reporters he had addressed the matter with the team. He added, “I’m proud of the guys that are here that make it through this.” Scott Wolf is reporting that Holland wants to transfer to Oregon, though he notes that such an in-conference transfer would require Carroll’s approval.
• Scott Wolf is reporting that Carroll met with sophomore cornerback Shareece Wright after hearing rumors that he is also considering a transfer. Wright, stunned by Carroll’s confrontation, said he had considered  transferring but never contacted other colleges or took steps toward leaving. Interestingly, Wright was moved to the first-team defense in practice this week.
• After Monday, it still seems as though Chauncy Washington, Stafon Johnson, and C.J. Gable are at the front of the tailback rotation, with Allen Bradford leading in the “big” back role, and Desmond Reed, at least during McKnight’s absence, is the leading contender for receiving back.
• Quarterbacks Michael McDonald and Aaron Corp shared first-team snaps on Booty’s Monday rest day. Mitch Mustain also saw action at quarterback.

School Of Choice (Scott Wolf)
USC cornerback Wright considered transferring (LA Daily News)
Carroll dismisses 2006 recruit Holland (LA Times)
Monday Insider: Carroll on Holland’s dismissal (Rivals, $)
Tailback Notebook: The Great Divide (Rivals, $)