Countdown to Kickoff: 36 Days

As we continue on our daily countdown towards the 2007 season, we are now at 36 days until the Idaho Vandals march into town. Here is veteran defensive back Josh Pinkard, who will be wearing jersey #36 for the Trojans again this season...

The 6'1" 215 pound junior is one USC's most talented and versatile players, and has even been called the "best player on the team" by head coach Pete Carroll. Pinkard has the ability and trust of the coaching staff to play any position in the secondary, yet he isn't listed as a starter on the Trojans depth chart. One might ask, how can this be? Well, there are 2 reasons why he is not a starter: (1) the amazing talent and depth on USC's roster, and (2) the unfortunate knee injury that Pinkard suffered in the 2006 season opener at Arkansas. That injury gave freshman Taylor Mays an opportunity to get on the field, and now he's the starter, but it also kept Pinkard out of spring drills. Hopefully he's healthy (and sober) and will be ready to go. Fall camp is just around the corner.

Fight On!