USC's official roster highlights notable weight changes since spring practice
Carroll has only been at USC for a few months, but he has already made a notable impact. Last week, the Trojans dropped their official fall 2025 roster, and, as Shotgun Spratling of 247Sports pointed out, it contained several notable weight changes from the spring. Let's take a look at some of them:
Aaron Dunn, offensive lineman
After being listed at 290 pounds in the spring as a freshman early enrollee, Dunn put on a remarkable 25 pounds over the summer, and is now listed at 315.
Hayden Treter, offensive lineman
The redshirt freshman is up 15 pounds from the spring and is now listed at 320.
Walter Matthews, tight end
The redshirt freshman is up to 285 pounds from 272 back in the spring.
Elijah Vaikona, offensive lineman
The true freshman is up to 385 pounds from 370 when he first arrived on campus.
Alani Noa, offensive lineman
While this list features numerous young players who gained weight, Noa is a junior returning starter who lost weight. Listed at 335 pounds back in the spring, he is now down to 315.
Prince Strachan, wide receiver
Strachan was one of the few skill position players with a notable change in weight. The Boise State transfer put on 11 pounds over the summer, and is now up to 215.
Alex Payne, offensive lineman
This true freshman had perhaps the biggest weight gain of all. Listed at 265 pounds when he first signed, Payne is now listed at 305 heading into the season.
The freshman 15 is a thing of the past. Meet the freshman 40.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Some USC football players gained or lost notable weight during summer
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Oregon Ducks land commitment from 5-star DB Davon Benjamin
Dand Lanning and the Oregon Ducks filled the summer offseason months with a lot of recruiting wins, and it doesn't appear that they are slowing down now that we're getting into fall, either. 5-star cornerback Davon Benjamin picked Oregon over the likes of the Texas Longhorns and Michigan Wolverines on Saturday afternoon. The 247Sports Composite rates Benjamin as the No. 35 overall player in the 2026 class, and the No. 4 safety. He stands at 6-foot, 170 pounds. While he is listed at safety, there is an expectation that he will move around in the secondary for Oregon. Benjamin is the Ducks' 17th member of the 2026 class, and the fifth 5-star player, which is the most in the nation. Ahead of Saturday, Oregon had the No. 8 class in the nation, but with the addition of Benjamin, they move up to No. 7. The commitment doesn't come as a major surprise, seeing as there was a crystal ball prediction from the 247Sports recruiting staff for Benjamin to pick the Ducks. With Benjamin now in the mix, Oregon wrapped up the remaining major targets left on its board. Over the next several months throughout the season, there are some players out there who the Ducks will likely work on trying to flip from other schools, and new prospects could pop onto the radar, but Oregon's class in 2026 has shaped up nicely. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions. This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: 5-star DB announces commitment between Oregon Ducks, Texas, Michigan
New York Times
19 minutes ago
- New York Times
Behind Aaron Rodgers, Rudolph perfects the art of staying ready: Steelers training camp observations
LATROBE, Pa. — Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph knows quite well how the twists and turns of the season can lead to an unexpected opportunity. In 2023, he was buried on the depth chart as the third quarterback behind Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky. Thinking his career could be coming to an end, he began exploring opportunities in real estate and started planning for life after football. Then, an injury to Pickett and ineffective run by Trubisky thrust Rudolph into a starting role, where he led an improbable three-game winning streak to help the Steelers qualify for the playoffs. Advertisement 'You're sitting at third string on the depth chart, a lot has to happen for you to get on the field. And a lot did happen that year,' Rudolph said. 'I'm grateful to God for giving me that window of opportunity.' On Saturday, opportunity once again presented itself, albeit in a much lower-stakes environment: For a light practice without pads, Mike Tomlin gave Aaron Rodgers and many other veterans the day off. The decision gave Rudolph the chance to work extensively with the first-team offense. 'You just try to do the best you can with them,' Rudolph said. 'I thought we had a good day and moved the ball, took care of the ball. It's always a quick turnaround with the Friday night (practice) and then getting yourself up for this one. But I thought the guys came out with a lot of energy.' When Rudolph signed a two-year deal with the Steelers this offseason, he sat atop the depth chart for several months and ran the show as QB1 during the first two weeks of OTAs. However, when Rodgers signed, Rudolph slid into a more familiar role as a backup. His job this season? Remain ready. Considering Rodgers' age and injury history, Rudolph being prepared to step in at a moment's notice could be critical. 'When you get in the season, are you studying more?' Rudolph said. 'Because you're not getting the physical reps, so are you doing more, doubling down on the mental work and the walk-through reps and stealing any throws you can get after practice? That's the way to be ready when you're called upon in the NFL as a backup quarterback to make sure you're sharp and you're not just coasting through the year, because you never know when your opportunity is going to come.' Throughout camp, Rudolph has been more than sharp when working against the second-team defense. During Friday Night Lights, he had unquestionably the best throw of the practice when he threaded the needle on a deep ball between two defenders and into the waiting hands of tight end Jonnu Smith. On Saturday, Rudolph began his day 1-for-3 in the Seven Shots drill. His touchdown came when the defense lost tight end Darnell Washington in coverage; Rudolph placed the ball well, putting it where only Washington's outstretched arms could catch it. In 11-on-11 drills, Rudolph's biggest completion came when Scotty Miller won on a whip route and then outraced cornerback Darius Slay for a massive gain. Then in a red-zone period, Rudolph connected with Connor Heyward on a slant just as the tight end was crossing the goal line. Advertisement While Rudolph is quite familiar with Saint Vincent College, saying it feels like 'home,' he's now in a new offense coordinated by Arthur Smith. He's been working in camp to pick up the playbook and master the new concepts. 'I think you try to fit the concepts that you have to the players,' Rudolph said. 'I think Arthur's done a good job of that. I watched all the games from last year with the overlays and the play tags… There's been a good many different concepts that have been installed, whether they had that last year, they just didn't fit the style. But I'm comfortable with what we got in. I think the guys have been executing it well.' While Rodgers' signing pushed Rudolph down the depth chart, he's embraced the opportunity to learn from a four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion. 'I had a buddy send me a video and (he) said, 'Bro, your eyes are glazing over talking about Aaron Rodgers, so relax, take it easy,'' Rudolph joked. 'But it's been great. He's been very helpful and just very friendly and open to questions — whether that be football or non-football, talking about his experiences over the years. (I'm) really enjoying it and trying to pick up anything I can from him. He's forgotten more football than most of us will ever know. It's a great resource.' Tomlin is a man of many sayings. One of the most popular among his players is 'don't get beat to the flat' — he's said it so many times that they printed up shirts that say DGBTTF. When shifty running back Kenneth Gainwell, the former Eagle, burned the Steelers last season, the team took note and signed him this offseason. 'He's good inside the backfield,' Tomlin said. 'He's good out of the backfield. He's a good route runner. He's a good outside-zone runner. He's got a well-rounded game. That's one of the reasons we were excited about acquiring him.' Advertisement Throughout camp, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith — who loves versatile players who can line up in different positions — has been deploying Gainwell in a variety of roles, including outside as a receiver. 'I've been doing this since I was seven, running routes,' Gainwell said. 'It's just something that I get to display in the NFL and on a different level.' The Steelers have an excellent cover linebacker in Payton Wilson, who ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine, the fastest of any player at his position. Tomlin has often matched up Gainwell against Wilson, including on numerous reps Saturday. The strength-on-strength matchup has made for many must-watch, competitive reps. On Saturday, Gainwell got the better of Wilson for the most part. Wilson is outstanding in coverage and has held up well against small, speedy backs, but Gainwell began the day winning on an out route. Later, referees called a holding penalty on Wilson after Gainwell won on a wheel route. 'I think it's a great challenge having a great linebacker who can cover real good,' Gainwell said. 'That's challenging myself, too. I'm embracing that challenge to go continue to get him better each and every day and get me better too.' The Steelers' cornerback room has been a position group in transition this offseason. The numerous additions include Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Brandin Echols and seventh-round pick Donte Kent. All those moves pushed James Pierre down the depth chart — and possibly off the 53-man roster. However, over the last two days, Pierre has forced the coaching staff to notice him. During Friday Night Lights, Pierre ended the two-minute drill (and the practice) with an interception of Rudolph. On Saturday, that ball-hawking prowess continued during one-on-one periods: Pierre intercepted Rudolph and Howard. Pierre also was all over Scotty Miller on the first rep of Seven Shots to force an incompletion. Advertisement As it stands, the top three corners — Ramsey, Slay and Porter — will be on the field a lot together. Echols, who has had a strong camp of his own, was playing second-team reps opposite Cory Trice Jr. However, on Friday Trice sustained a hamstring injury that could keep him out for more than a couple practices. So far, Pierre is taking full advantage of his opportunity. He could end up being one of the tougher decisions for the Steelers, as he provides good special teams value but also sits on the roster's fringe. It's hard to say now if he'll be on the 53-man roster, a decision that could be impacted by Trice's health, special teams math and if the Steelers believe they can sneak the 28-year-old Pierre onto the practice squad. Speaking of injuries creating opportunities, the defensive line has been hit particularly hard. On Saturday, the Steelers placed veteran Dean Lowry on injured reserve; Lowry very likely would have made the 53-man roster. In a corresponding move, the Steelers called up Breiden Fehoko, a 28-year-old who spent the last couple seasons on the practice squad. On Saturday, Fehoko walked into the meeting room to get, well, a unique reaction from his teammates. 'I got boos,' Fehoko laughed. 'But good boos. It's great being around the guys, the camaraderie. Believe it or not, you kind of miss Latrobe a little bit. I (was) at home, changing diapers and stuff, doing Target runs with the wife. I get a call to go to Latrobe. I'm on that plane.' As it currently stands, Fehoko probably is still slated for a practice-squad role. The Steelers kept eight defensive linemen out of camp last year. Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, rookie Yahya Black, Logan Lee, Daniel Ekuale and Isaiahh Loudermilk seem like the seven most-likely candidates to make the team. It's possible the Steelers only keep seven. If they keep eight, DeMarvin Leal, who has been playing a lot of outside linebacker, and offseason addition Esezi Otomewo are two more contenders on the fringe. That said, Fehoko lost about 30-to-35 pounds this offseason. Changing his body could add some versatility to his game, as he goes from just a run-stuffing nose tackle to a more mobile interior lineman who might be able to line up at the 3-4 defensive end position, as well. Advertisement 'Two years ago, when I first got to Pittsburgh Steelers, I was this submarine plugger, and I could barely move side to side,' Fehoko said. 'Now my body feels great. I feel so much more leaner.' My guess is Fehoko still ends up on the practice squad, but we'll see. 1. Pierre was all over Miller, forcing an incomplete pass from Rudolph (1-0, defense) 2. Washington got lost in coverage and caught a touchdown from Rudolph in the corner of the end zone (1-1) 3. Inside linebacker Cole Holcomb broke up a pass intended for Pat Freiermuth (2-1, defense) 4. With Will Howard at QB, nickel Beanie Bishop broke up a pass intended for Ben Skowronek (3-1, defense) 5. Howard connected with Brandon Johnson on a slant (3-2, defense) 6. Skylar Thompson threw incomplete for tight end Kevin Foelsch (4-2, defense) 7. Thompson threw incomplete for running back Max Hurleman (5-2, defense) Tomlin said Trice (hamstring) and tackle Calvin Anderson have soft-tissue injuries that could keep them out 'more than a few days.' While Pierre stepped up in Trice's absence, versatile lineman Spencer Anderson was deployed as a left tackle… On the flip side, Tomlin said he expects Calvin Austin III, Benton, Otomewo, fullback/ TE DJ Thomas-Jones, backup center Ryan McCollum and Porter back 'very soon.' The coach categorized all those players as 'day to day.' The Steelers will hold family day on Sunday and plan to be in pads. Traditionally, this is the time in camp when Tomlin likes to do short-yardage and goal-line drills. It could be a big day for the men in the trenches.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
View Photos of the 1989 Budget-Friendly Sports Sedans
Read the full review The basic formula of the sports sedan is simple: Take a four-door, imbue it with some zoot, and let 'er rip. We pulled together six of our favorite sports sedans for a knock-down, drag-out, test-track rumble. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
