Yesterday, the Trojans began the first official day of fall practice in anticipation for the season opener, which begins on August 30th in Charlottesville against the Virginia Cavaliers. While I was unable to attend yesterday’s practice, here is what I learned from scouring the morning papers and blogs:

Well, I don’t think that there is any question as to who the starting quarterback is this upcoming season. According to reports, Mark Sanchezhas performed well during the summer workouts and looked like the unquestioned leader of the team’s offense during yesterday’s practice. After practice, Sanchez told Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times that the fact that he was named the starter in the spring has given him an extra boost of confidence….

The offensive line is expected to be a major question mark this season and it doesn’t help that that starting left guard Jeff Byers, the unit’s only returning starter, will be out for an undetermined time. Byers told Klein that he had been experiencing flu symptoms for several weeks and did not practice because of an enlarged spleen. However, he did say that the condition was gradually improving and that he hoped to be cleared to practice soon….

Tailback Joe McKnight is also having some injury problems, as he twisted his right ankle but is hoping to practice today…

Linebacker Luthur Browndid not practice because of back issues, which has plauged him since his freshman year. His absence could be rather significant because the other reserve middle linebacker, Chris Galippo, will be out until October as a result of back surgery…

Michael Lev of the OC Register noted that Arkansas transfer and wide receiver Damian Williamswas very impressive in his first practice as a Trojan. Lev said that Williams, “looked more fluid than any other receiver when turning upfield after making a reception.” The Trojans will surely need some help at wide receiver this year after the departure of tight end and John Mackey Award Winner Fred Davis…

Before practice, Pete Carroll met with new Avengers coach Pat O’Hara. O’Hara is also a former USC quarterback…

The Trojans have been selling new black-and-gold jerseys in stores throughout Southern California, but Carroll told Scott Wolf of the Daily News that the team won’t be wearing them this season. “There’s no way I would allow it,” said Carroll. While Carroll denies that the team will sport any alternate uniforms, I’d be surprised if they didn’t have a “blackout” game this season. The athletic department wouldn’t have issued the production of black jerseys if they had no intent of wearing them in the near future.

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