Buzz Around Team Camps 8/19/08

Here's Tuesday's injury plaqued edition of the Buzz Around Team Camps:

Purdue via http://www.offthetracks.org

Last night we had the news that Jaycen Taylor was injured at the end of practice. Today it was revealed that the injury sounds just as serious as expected. Nothing is official, but the tone of that article certainly makes it sound like Taylor is done for an extended amount of time, if not the entire season. At least if he returns healthy he will be the full on starter in 2009.

What was more surprising was some of the position switches that were announced at the end of practice today. The Magee move is not a surprise. I actually like it as it gives us some serious size on the defensive line, which is what we have lacked for a long time. Magee is quick for his size as well. He can make a difference on the end while we have several other good players that can play at tackle. This makes the defense a lot better, in my opinion. It also erases, at least partially, a question mark.

Pittsburgh via http://www.pittsburghlive.com

Pitt's deep backfield is getting even deeper. Tailback Chris Burns, a true freshman out of Wilmington High School near Sharon, is dazzling coaches and teammates at Pitt training camp. "Chris Burns," Panthers coach Dave Wannstedt said, "you've got to love him." Defensive coordinators won't share that affection. Burns gives the Panthers another weapon in a backfield that includes tailbacks LeSean McCoy, the nation's leading freshman rusher last year, and senior LaRod Stephens-Howling, a 1,600-yard career rusher. While the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Burns may redshirt, he remains part of a three-man audition for the No. 3 tailback spot, along with redshirt sophomore Kevin Collier and redshirt freshman Shariff Harris.

Navy via http://www.navysports.com

The Navy defense recorded 16 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and picked off two passes against the offense in a 100-play scrimmage conducted Saturday morning in front of more than 3,000 fans at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Junior linebacker Tony Haberer (Liberty Hill, Texas) and sophomore linebacker Tyler Simmons (Goldsby, Okla.) led the defense with seven tackles apiece.

"We stink on offense right now," said Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo. "That is two weeks in a row the defense has come out and whipped the offense's butt. I don't think I've ever been involved in a scrimmage here where the offense hasn't scored at least one touchdown. I've been here 11 years and this is the first time that has happened. The defense played great and the offense has a long ways to go."

Southern Cal via http://www.latimes.com

With less than two weeks before the Aug. 30 opener against Virginia, the quarterback derby is moving into a pivotal stretch. Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain are competing to possibly replace injured starter Mark Sanchez, while Sanchez is working to return in time to play against the Cavaliers. "I haven't taken any steps back in my rehab so everything is looking good right now, but we'll have to wait and see," said Sanchez, who suffered a dislocated left kneecap 10 days ago. Carroll said Sanchez was expected to do some running on the field Tuesday and that other elements would be added as he progressed. Knowing who the starter might be heading into game week was not imperative, according to Carroll. "Everything is still up in the air and we'll just see," he said. "There's no rush yet."

It took 10 days before USC quarterback Mark Sanchez was able to show he could drop back with speed and make a variety of passes after dislocating his left kneecap. The junior now has about a week to demonstrate he is fit enough to possibly start in the Aug. 30 opener at Virginia. On Monday, under the watchful eye of offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, Sanchez went through a battery of throws to a rehabilitation specialist. He also played catch with Coach Pete Carroll. "If it were up to me, I'm playing," said Sanchez, who is scheduled to throw to receivers today. Sanchez, however, added that there is still some swelling and also pain when he attempts to fully flex his left leg. He allowed that trainers would make the final decision about his readiness after monitoring his recovery through the week.