Darreus Rogers enjoyed reliving the moment.
The sophomore receiver last week caught a 48-yard Hail Mary pass from USC quarterback Cody Kessler at the end of the first half against Oregon State, putting the Trojans on their way to victory.
“I watched it like 100 times,” Rogers said after practice Tuesday. “I was just thinking, ‘Man, that was me. I did it, and made it happen.’
“It was an awesome feeling to help my team.”
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Rogers is displaying a knack for making plays.
In the opener against Fresno State, he made three tough third-down catches during the Trojans’ first scoring drive. At Boston College, he caught a fourth-quarter touchdown pass that pulled USC within six points.
Against Oregon State, his only catch was the most spectacular of his USC career.
On fourth down, he ran to the end zone and, with a crowd of teammates and defenders around him, prepared for Kessler’s pass.
“I just found a spot where I felt comfortable,” he said. “I was like, ‘OK, nobody’s on me.’ Then I felt a little shove in the back and I was just like, ‘Focus on the ball.’
“I saw everybody waiting for it, and I just went up and it just fell in my hands.”
Rogers leaped about a yard out of the end zone as he made the catch. He said freshman receiver JuJu Smith grabbed him before he turned and crossed the goal line again.
“Everybody was going crazy,” he said.
Rogers has seven receptions this season.
That total is expected to increase Saturday when No. 16 USC plays Arizona State at the Coliseum.
“He’s one of those guys that kind of keeps his mouth shut and keeps working — and that’s all you want from a guy,” Kessler said, adding, “Whether he gets one catch, or five catches, 10 catches … he’s going to come out and prepare the same.”
Up to the challenge
USC Coach Steve Sarkisian said Sunday that he wanted tailbacks Javorius Allen and Justin Davis to slip more tackles once they clear the line of scrimmage and reach the “second level” of the defense.
Allen, who rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown against Oregon State, said the message was received.
“Coach Sark even told me, ‘If you want to be a great back … you’ve got to make guys miss in the second level — and I agree with him,” Allen said. “It was nothing to shoot us down.
“He sees his backs can do better. And I thank him for saying that and pushing me.”
Allen said he works on improving his skills every day.
“It’s all about instincts,” he said. “Coach can’t tell you, ‘When you get to the second level stiff-arm somebody, or cut.’
“It’s all about trusting yourself and trusting your preparation.”
Madden tests toe
Tailback Tre Madden, sidelined all season because of a toe injury, was in full pads and participated in a few drills.
But Madden said afterward that the toe remained “pretty sore” and that he was taking it “day by day.”
“It takes a long time to loosen up,” he said. “It’s real sore all the time, actually. It’s very frustrating. One of the toughest things I’ve been through.”
Quick hits
Receiver Victor Blackwell, who has not practiced for more than two weeks, remained absent. Asked if Blackwell was in limbo, Sarkisian replied, “There is not even a limbo to be in. We haven’t seen him in over two weeks.” Asked if Blackwell was still on the team, Sarkisian said, “We’ll have to see. Whenever he wants to decide to come and meet with me, then we’ll talk about it.”
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Offensive lineman Jordan Simmons will remain sidelined a week or two because of a bone bruise, Sarkisian said.
Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times
