[Quack Attack]

USC Head Coach Pete Carroll

Opening Remarks: "This is the day that marks the start to the next challenge and I can't tell you how excited we are about this. We've had a terrific run with the kids that have been in the program, that have won national championships, but they've all left us. To see the change in leadership and the emergence of the leadership, we sense a whole new excitement and I've never been more pumped up. There was energy, intensity and competitiveness in the spring practice. It seems like it's the first time for us. We have tremendous challenges and a schedule that will give us an opportunity to do everything in college football. Every game is a championship game for us, so here we go. There is great anticipation and a I look forward to doing something special. There is a changing of the guard. I'm really proud to be part of this team, we don't start camp until August 5 and Cush [Brian Cushing] and I are going to go one-on-one in the hallway to get pumped up."


On USC's solid turnover margin: "We emphasize taking care of the football and getting after it more than anyone does. In the last couple of years, our numbers have been down and we continue to emphasize that approach because it's a key to our success. As we go about the defense this year, we are always looking for ball hawks. Our philosophy is all about the ball, getting it and keeping it. The defense needs to create, we've seen great numbers in years past and our scores have been positively effected because of it.

On the culture of competition: "We have a number of spots up for competition. It's clear that with new starters coming together on the offensive line, there will be a tremendous amount of competition there. That is going to be a big spot for us. Maybe a few weeks into the season, we'll get the chemistry right. It's a deep group but they are young. The competition at wide receiver is going to be outstanding. It's a group that wasn't up to the level of play in years past but Patrick Turner is the leader coming back. It's going to be cool to watch."

USC SLB Brian Cushing

On being a senior leader: "I think overall coming into this program and knowing that one day I wanted to be a leader on this team was very important to me. I learned from the older guys, understanding what the program is about and the philosophy of coach Carroll. Hopefully I can give the same competitive leadership to the younger guys and lead this team through the season."