Clay Helton implements changes to USC’s practice week for player development

Clay Helton has put an emphasis on player development since he took over as interim coach three weeks ago at USC.

Mondays, typically a day away from the practice field, have been designated for 45-minute instructional workouts. He implemented the change the week USC prepared for Notre Dame.

“One of the things that I’ve always felt like gets lost sometimes is the guys that maybe are redshirting or the guys that you look up and aren’t getting as many reps,” Helton said Tuesday. “We really want to develop not only our older kids, but it is our job to develop every kid on the football team.”

Starters and upperclassmen have worked out in the weight room, while redshirt players and backups have received the additional instruction.

Helton said players have responded positively.

“They know over the last three weeks, when we can see it as coaches, the progression that those kids are making, it’s just 45 minutes of good work, focused on them, to let some attention be on them and get them better as players,” Helton said.

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