Hey Joe where you goin'? Really. Where are you going?

Joe McKnight was known as the steal of the year for Pete Carroll after luring him in to come to USC. He was already dubbed as the next Reggie Bush before he finished packing his bags to go to California. His speed, vision, and versatility gave all the fans and scouts all they needed to crown him as the next Reggie who will dazzle the field with quick cuts on his way to the end zone. Hello ESPN, we're going to make the highlight reels once again.

Well two seasons later, he has only made one memorable highlight after a long gain against Illinois in the Rose Bowl. For the most part, he has been more like the other top recruit of his class Jimmy Clausen, as he lays on the ground for a loss of yards. Other times, we usually see him searching for the ball after a run as he has shown he is fumble prone.

In all honesty, when I think at all the Joe McKnight plays the most memorable one comes from the game against the Oregon Ducks. USC forced a turnover early in the game and had a chance to set the tone. It was 4th and inches and instead of seeing Stafon Johnson muscle the ball between the tackles, we saw Joe McKnight dancing left and right before being tackled for a loss.

Is Joe a bust? For being such a highly touted recruit, I would say that he has been a bust. Stafon Johnson and CJ Gable has produced a lot more than Joe without being regarded as high at the running back position. I thought Broderick Green's best performance when he finally got a shot, was overall a better performance than most of Joe McKnight's efforts.

I can't really put the blame on him. The coaches have tried to use him like they used Reggie. They envisioned him to make plays like Reggie. They've sold him on the idea of being the next Reggie. I'm sure Joe himself has pictured himself as the next Reggie. With messages like "pay day" written on his eye black, Joe has probably already envisioned his life in the NFL. But wait a minute Joe. You're still at USC, and you have yet to perform in a way that would make you a valuable stock in the NFL.

Luckily for Joe, Pete Carroll has not yet given up on his dream of having the second coming of Reggie Bush in his squad. Joe to his credit has shown little bits of flashes of greatness here and there. He has been given favorable treatment compared to CJ Gable after his fumbles.

This coming season is definitely going to be the year that Joe McKnight will have to live up to the hype. He was bothered by injury during Spring Camp and have given the likes of Curtis Mcneal and Marc Tyler the chance to steal the spotlight. With another rookie Quarterback taking over, USC needs to dominate the running game again even more than last year. I'm sure as the season begins Joe McKnight will be given a chance to shine. But if he shows us the same o'l Joe we have seen the past two years, the answer to

"Hey Joeeeeee.. where you goin'???"

will be the sidelines... Read the full story

DJ Shoemate has big shoes to fill at fullback. He'll be shadowing a well established player at that position in Stanley Havili who Mark Schlaback of ESPN once named as one of the seven college football secrets back in 2007. How did a highly touted wide receiver literally end up in this (fullback) position? Well the answer to that question is also what will make him a big impact player in the future - sacrifice

DJ Shoemate arrived on campus as the 8th ranked wide receiver in his class according to Scout.com where he is described as an explosive play maker with great hands. Eager to play and to contribute to the team, Shoemate did what most players have been reluctant to do - switch positions. This is a huge sacrifice particularly for a player as heralded as Shoemate. His positive attitude and willingness to learn and adapt to his new role has showed. He clearly has given the coaches his full effort.

Pete Carroll acknowledged DJ Shoemate's progress at the Spring Football Media Luncheon. "The number of things that we can do with him because of his receiver background showed up." Pete added that Shoemate is "probably the most improved player on the team and really developed a role for himself. He can carry the ball, runs it well, and has solved the mysteries of the offense and the schemes."

The most improved player on the team Pete? I agree.

Going back to the word SACRIFICE - the reason Shoemate is now a fullback and what will make him an impact player. Here is a player willing to give up his 5 star status at a position he excelled at because that is not where he was needed. In our personal and professional lives we are always grateful for the people who are willing to do the little things to make our lives and our organizations the best possible. DJ Shoemate is that remarkable young man that saw an opportunity to help his team become the best possible, and selflessly gave his all. Sacrifices always gets repaid and this upcoming season Shoemate will get his big payoff.

DJ Shoemate will bring a little something back that we haven't seen in awhile. DJ Shoemate along with his blocking ability will provide the Trojans a receiving threat from the backfield - something teams had difficulty dealing with during the Bush Era. His speed, catching ability, and amazing field vision should definitely lead to first downs, touchdowns, and occasionally a spot on ESPN's highlight reels. DJ Shoemate is definitely a shoe-in to be the next great impact player in the cardinal and gold. Read the full story

Here is a link for JetsTV where you can watch Rex Ryan's full press conference and some clips of the practice.

Rex Ryan calls mark a "natural leader." Mark Sanchez has showed New York his high energy, enthusiasm, and love for the game by getting the rookies together to prepare for this morning's practice.

“Well, I guess there was some guy that we had on offense who got the entire offense together and installed the day’s offense. I guess you can figure out who that was,” a happy Ryan added.

So far it's all high fives and praises for the former USC Quarterback. Read the full story