Another Interested Tailback

Moorpark High tailback Darrell Scott has expressed an interest in attending USC. Scott is just a junior but warranted a look for USC coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian in the spring.
What’s interesting is whether Scott will be scared off by the commitment of Servite tailback D.J. Shoemate, who is also a junior. The Florida schools will also be after Scott, since he is originally from the Sunshine State.

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Camp Question

One of the questions facing Pete Carroll in training camp is where to play freshman recruit Derek Simmons. Even though Simmons weighs 285 pounds, he can play defensive end and defensive tackle.
Simmons will certainly get a look at tackle, because that is one of the positions that concerns Carroll most entering the season. Whether Simmons would do more than merely add depth, and can make an impact, remains to be seen.

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Some Home History

USC’s home game against Nebraska will be the fifth straight home sellout, and the ticket office claims the Washington, California and Notre Dame games are also sellouts. For some perspective, USC recorded no sellouts from 1998 to 2001, in one of Pete Carroll’s first home games, the Trojans only drew 43,508 against Arizona State.

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Jarrett Can Practice

Although wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett remains ineligible, he is eligible to practice with the Trojans when camp opens next week. Jarrett continues to wait for the NCAA to rule on his reinstatement following his living arrangement with Matt Leinart in an affluent Los Angeles apartment last year.

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Booty 100 percent

USC coach Pete Carroll said quarterback John David Booty is fully recovered from back surgery and barring further injury or a complete collapse in performance during training camp, will start the Trojans’ season-opener against Arkansas.

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Rules Change

Pete Carroll spent a moment with Oregon coach Mike Bellotti on Thursday to find out the status of the Pac-10 coaches protest of a new rule for this season. The coaches object that on a change of possession, the clock will now start when the official signals, not when the ball is snapped.
The rule is expected to shorten games by 10-12 minutes and coaches object that it could knock 10-12 plays out of a game. It also means that if a team takes over possession with 24 seconds left in a game, it would not need to even snap the ball.
Every Pac-10 coach opposed the rule change.
“We signed a petition and sent it off, Bellotti said.
Said Carroll: “When you might throw 38 times in a game, now it be only 32. Its a sad situation when there is such across the board disappointment by the coaches and the rule still gets changed.

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First Casualty

As previously mentioned, Venice tailback Kenny Ashley will not academically qualify for admission. However, the news appears better for wide receiver Vidal Hazelton, although he is not yet certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse.

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Johnson Cleared

Tailback Stafon Johnson of Dorsey High was certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse and will be eligible this season. Johnson’s eligibility is one of the most significant in the freshmen class, if you listen to other coaches.
“I love Stafon Johnson, Washington coach Ty Willingham said. “I thought he could play on either side of the ball. I didnt see many players that could hit as hard as him last year.

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Reed Update

Tailback Desmond Reed is not cleared to practice but USC coach Pete Carroll is hopeful Reed will be able to play.
“He’s trying to come back,” Carroll said. “He’s not cleared but he’s doing some sprinting and other stuff.”
One problem is the nerve damage Reed suffered when he tore knee ligaments is still an issue.

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