Mr. Perfect, Part II

The college coach who earlier this week gushed over defensive end Everson Griffen despite losing him to USC, said the 6-4, 266-pound prospect is fast enough to play defensive back or tailback. We kid you not.

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Numbers Game

Earlier this week we alluded to a possible scholarship crunch for next season. One more became available because fullback Jody Adewale was convinced to forego his final year of eligibility and instead concentrate on obtaining his masters degree.
Adewale graduates this year but still has a year left to play football because he redshirted. But instead of playing next season, Adewale said he will work in the athletic dept. and receive two more years of education.
“Why stand on the sideline when I can get my masters? Adewale said. “Its their decision. Itll pay for two years of school.

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Second Best?

The scout team gave the first unit everything it could handle and more in today’s mock game. The starters won 23-21, but only after USC coach Pete Carroll controversially awarded another play at the end when the clock might have expired, which allowed quarterback John David Booty to throw a touchdown pass to C.J. Gable.
The highlight of the scrimmage was a touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez to freshman wide receiver David Ausberry.
“It was a great, spirited day when guys could be looking to get out of here,” Carroll said.

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It’s Official

Offensive tackle Matt Spanos did not pass all his classes and is ineligible. Kicker Troy Van Blarcom is also ineligible and was dismissed from school because he did not have a 2.0 GPA after three semesters. Van Blarcom would need to reapply for admission to the university to come back, but don’t hold your breath on that happening.
It should be noted that Van Blarcom said he would try to get a grade changed but few are optimistic about that scenario.

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Grade Woes

USC kicker Troy Van Blarcom was ruled academically ineligible Thursday although the kicker was trying to change a grade to regain his eligibility. Offensive tackle Matt Spanos is also unlikely to be eligible today although he was also trying to change a grade.
Van Blarcom, who is the Trojans kickoff specialist, will not be able to play against Michigan in the Rose Bowl unless he can change a grade, which he was in the process of trying to do late Thursday. He needed a 2.3 grade-point average in the fall semester to maintain his eligibility.
“He is in jeopardy, USC coach Pete Carroll said of Van Blarcom. “Well find out (today) if hes made it.
Without Van Blarcom, USC would turn to sophomore David Buehler for kickoffs. Buehler notably kicked a 49-yard field goal against California earlier this season.

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Mock Game

USC will stage a quick mock game tomorrow to practice certain situations for the Rose Bowl. It’s something USC coach Pete Carroll often does before the season-opener and previous bowl games, to get down substitutions and other sideline situations

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Practice Recap

Offensive tackle Matt Spanos missed practice to take of “academic matters,” according to USC coach Pete Carroll. It’s possible Spanos will find out today if he is eligible, because Carroll said grades were getting posted a day earlier than expected.

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Mr. Perfect

It’s always dangerous to make too much out of a recruit, but a college coach who lost out on defensive Everson Griffen raved about the prospect today.
“He’s perfect,” the coach said. “He could be a first-round draft pick right now.”

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Maryland, My Maryland

USC freshman safety Antwine Perez is expected to transfer to Maryland. Perez also considered Rutgers and West Virginia, according to sources.
His departure is not totally unwanted because it frees up a scholarship amid fears of a scholarship crunch with 12 commitments and a large number of recruits that would like to commit to USC.

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