Saturday morning’s brief practice marked the close of USC’s fall training camp. The players will enjoy a day off on Sunday, and begin their fall semester on Monday–along with their first day of game-week practice, which kicks off preparations for next Saturday’s contest at the Coliseum against the Idaho Vandals. We recap Saturday’s practice-field developments (which included a 33% increase in the number of healthy tailbacks) in our final preseason practice roundup.

Who looked good

• Freshman WR Brandon Carswell had another great day on the practice field, and it would not be surprising to see him play in the Idaho game.
• Capping a stellar fall, sophomore placekicker Joe Houston was perfect on four field goal attempts, with a long of 42. Although a starter has yet to be named, Houston has been far more consistent than David Buehler on field goals (especially shorter ones) throughout camp.

Injuries and problems

• CB Cary Harris woke up with a swollen ankle and did not practice.
• As for the Trojans who have been sitting out with various injuries, only tailback CJ Gable and fullback Jordan Campbell returned to full activity on Saturday. RB Allen Bradford (hip and/or groin, depending on whom you ask) is expected back soon, and fellow tailback Joe McKnight is also hoping to return in time to play in the Idaho game (both actually participated briefly in a few drills on Saturday). WR Travon Patterson also is getting closer to a return, dressing for Saturday’s practice and also participating in a drill.
• RB Chauncey Washington (shoulder) is still listed as day-to-day, and there’s no word yet on whether there is any chance of him playing against Idaho, but on Saturday he was no longer using a sling for his arm.
• OT Charles Brown and WR Patrick Turner sat out with back issues.

Also of note

• Gable returned to practice for the first time in five days. The other tailbacks who participated were Stafon Johnson, Desmond Reed, and Broderick Green. If the Trojans had played a game today, we would have expected Gable and Johnson to get the bulk of the carries (and Johnson probably getting the start), with Reed coming in on third-down situations and Green for short-yardage situations.
• Pete Carroll acknowledged what has been fairly obvious to everyone: senior Josh Pinkard will see a lot of time in games at cornerback in addition to safety. In fact, he may even be a starter at one corner spot (opposite Terrell Thomas). Although more of a natural safety, Pinkard has significant game experience at corner, and his playing there will allow Carroll to keep Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison at safety. It does mean less playing time for corners Harris (who is the other option to start), Shareece Wright, and, once healthy, Kevin Thomas, although all should see the field often. (Sophomore Wright has definitely worked his way into the game rotation, according to Carroll.) Mozique McCurtis will also see some time at safety (probably in nickel and dime formations).

Saturday Insider: Gable grabs hold (Rivals, $)
Saturday - Camp Ends (Scout, $)
Saturday Practice Notes (WeAreSC, $)
Gable is protective of running back spot (LA Times)