USC football: Cameron’s time could be coming

November 20th, 2009, 6:00 am · 7 Comments · posted by Michael Lev, staff writer

Damian Williams is still a question mark for the UCLA game because of his high ankle sprain. David Ausberry is out indefinitely. Brice Butler has fluid buildup in his back that shouldn’t keep him out but could hinder him. Freshman De’Von Flournoy isn’t ready.

So who’s going to step up at wide receiver for USC besides Ronald Johnson?

The candidates include Brandon Carswell and Travon Patterson. But by far the most intriguing prospect is Jordan Cameron.

With a terrific combination of size (6-5, 220) and athleticism, Cameron — who played basketball at BYU and was a walk-on for USC this past season — has shown flashes of greatness in practice but never has been consistent enough to get meaningful snaps in games.

The junior has had a strong week during the Trojans’ bye, and if the receiver numbers stay down, he could get his shot.

“We’re trying to instill the confidence in him that he knows what he’s doing and can play fast and be aggressive,” USC coach Pete Carroll said. “He’s a really talented kid. It’s just been a big transition with (so) little football in his background. It’s just taken him much longer than it would a normal guy.

“He’s made a good impression, he really has. It’s really mostly about him being consistent and doing things right – alignments and splits and takeoffs, all of the things he has to do. Sometimes the details get lost in it, and he still plays like a young player. We’re trying to get him through that and make him available to us.”

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Peter J says:

November 20, 2009 at 6:17 am

So it has come to this! … Coach Carroll is praising a 5 string inexprienced player.

Dire times!

Mike4SC says:

November 20, 2009 at 7:27 am

If the kid performs, he performs and deserves praise. Simple as that. Doesn’t mean he is going to get any game time yet.

TimP says:

November 20, 2009 at 8:05 am

I’ve watched Jordan in practice. He does have good size and great hands, and his basketball skills for positioning his body and going up and getting the ball are great. I think he would be best utilized in the red zone and on 3rd downs.

I’m not sure he posses the speed to stretch the field or get open in other areas.

We’ve all seen the speedy 4 & 5 star recruits that lack the greatest asset a receiver can have - Good Hands.

pkcourt says:

November 21, 2009 at 4:08 am

Yes you can have all the speed in the world, but if you can run routes and catch what use are you.

scoldtimer says:

November 22, 2009 at 8:34 am

Cameron was never a walk on.

Kaimana says:

November 22, 2009 at 11:33 am

Very disappointed that they are only now thinking about using him!

Maria says:

November 22, 2009 at 5:45 pm

Does it really matter? As is, your QB couldn’t hit the side of a barn if he were within a yard of it.

It’s not a surprise there is all this talk about JC. Petey has been misutilizing players all season. Fumbling Havili goes down with an injury and what happens. Shoemate barely touches the ball.

The whole offensive and defensive game plans are mess. Season is over. I can’t believe the OC Register has projected USC to be in the Holiday Bowl against Nebraska. I think the publication has forgotten that USC needs to win out to secure the Holiday Bowl. Unfortunately, the pathetic play by the HEARTLESS Trojans will not have them see another win the remainder of the year!

FIGHT GONE!

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