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USC tailback wants more carries

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USC tailback Allen Bradford has waited patiently for his chance. He starred on special teams for two seasons. Broke off highlight-reel plays almost daily last spring and during fall training camp. The powerful junior from San Bernardino, coaches said, would be part of the tailback rotation. But after getting no carries in the Trojans' loss at Oregon State, Bradford could not contain his frustration. "Even with as many tailbacks that we have, I shouldn't be going through this," Bradford said Monday after practice. "I just want to play. I came here to play." The 5-foot-11, 225-pound Bradford, who starred at running back and linebacker at Colton High, did not rail. He spoke quietly about his situation and acknowledged that fellow junior Stafon Johnson and sophomores C.J. Gable and Joe McKnight also were talented backs. But that did not ease the sting of not carrying the ball once in a game when the Trojans managed only 86 rushing yards and McKnight struggled and fumbled. "I don't want to sound selfish, but I put in hard work and competed and practiced hard -- I've done everything I've been asked," Bradford said. "I just feel I could do more. No carries, and we lost."

Los Angeles Times

Pete Carroll, AP Pete Carroll, AP
September 30, 2008  09:23 AM ET

When you go to a program like USC then that is the chance you take.....He sees himself not getting drafted, or drafted so low that the big money is gone....Can't go in to the draft early with his present resume...That is what this is all about...Recruits make that decision when they go there. If you want to play more, go someplace else..Or be that good.

September 30, 2008  10:43 AM ET

Maybe he can go to the Cowboys and learn to whine about playing time with T.O.

September 30, 2008  11:14 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

If you want to play more, go someplace else..

I agree. It's a chance you take when you are being recruited. he should have asked some questions about the other running backs, etc...

September 30, 2008  11:23 AM ET

maybe it's obvious that Bradford hasn't proven himself. Carroll hasn't been shy to give ANYONE a shot at playing if they deserve it. Obviously Bradford hasn't.

September 30, 2008  11:27 AM ET

I want more carries too.

September 30, 2008  11:46 AM ET

When you look at the team and they have 50 RB's... you need to think about stuff like that

September 30, 2008  11:53 AM ET

I don't blame any back for wanting more carries but to question Pete's judgement on how he runs his offense is nonsensical (and his record backs it up...)

September 30, 2008  12:27 PM ET

All i can say is that carroll must be making a lot of empty promises to keep top notch rb's coming in while he has countless 5 star rb's sitting on the bench. Really no other explanation. Looks kinda shady

September 30, 2008  12:31 PM ET

Let's give thanks it's not as shady as Georgia's defense and offense.

September 30, 2008  12:32 PM ET

Screw it. Transfer. That is one of the drawbacks of playing for a team that is loaded with talent. You get lost.

September 30, 2008  12:42 PM ET

You mean to tell me that the recruiters didn't tell you about the team's depth and that you might have to be a uniformed cheerleader? At least you'll have a good degree!

September 30, 2008  12:43 PM ET

Carroll doesn't gaurentee his recruits one minute of playing time, he does gaurentee them playing in the biggest games of the year, and for the best program in the country. Kids go to USC because they believe they are the best in the nation, no matter how many good backs are already there. I think Joe "the no show" McKnight is way overrated and should be benched. I would give this guy a chance at the least. remember its just practice, lots of people will amaze you on game day when its all on the line.

September 30, 2008  12:47 PM ET

If he wants to play more he should transfer because it's clear that the coaches prefer McKnight, Gable, and Johnson ahead of him.

September 30, 2008  01:32 PM ET

Bradford's situation is sad. Here is a guy who would have had significant playing time elsewhere, but he made the poor choice in going to USC. USC simply has too much talent at QB (look at Mitch Mustain, i.e., 4th string now), RB, and receivers.

September 30, 2008  01:40 PM ET

I understand the frustration. It sucks to sit on the sideline when someone else is sucking it up on the field. He got beat out while going up against his own defense, but they weren't playing USC's defense in that game. If you have 4 near equally talented running backs and #1 isn't getting the job done, go to #2 and on down the line. #3 may be able to dice Oregon State's D better than #1 or #2. That's why pro teams have platoon running backs these days and the hot ball carrier keeps getting fed. Reggie Bush may tear up Tampa Bay but Deuce McAllister shreds the 49er's. Whichever style is more effective, go with it til they adjust.

September 30, 2008  01:52 PM ET

I want to side with him in a situation like this cuz clearly, USC coaching staff wants to feature McKnight. He was probably promised playing time as an underclassman, but forgot to think about Petey may give the same promise to other recruits when you're an upperclassman. If he hasn't exhausted a redshirt, he should consider transferring.

September 30, 2008  02:00 PM ET

USC loses 1 game and already hass dissention in the ranks and guys that can't keep their mouth shut to the media.....UH OH!!!!

September 30, 2008  02:04 PM ET

Allen, how about remembering that you are a freaking KID playing on a college football team!!! Shut your mouth and wait for Coach Carroll to tell you when you can carry the ball and how many carries you'll have. It's not your team, you arrogant turd. If you are frustrated with that, then transfer to Marshall or something. God, where is the respect? You're not in the pros yet, son.

September 30, 2008  02:33 PM ET

yeah i dont think joe mcknights head was in that game, they could of rotated johnson, gabel and bradford for the 3rd and short runs, but they didnt even do that. All i can say is practice hard bradford, and you will be playing soon!! GO TROY!!

 
September 30, 2008  03:09 PM ET

I don't understand why any tailback would sign with USC for a couple more years. Even if you do get playing time, it won't be much when there are 25 other tailbacks on the roster. It's not like you can't get national exposure at another school with less of a logjam at your position.

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