This segment includes a question on one of my favorite players at USC.

Q: Who has been your favorite Trojan player to watch over the years?

A: I want to mention someone I never really have. A player on the first team I covered was R. Jay Soward. He was maybe the fastest receiver I’ve covered and always seemed capable of making big plays. Yes, he had issues. But he was always honest with me and an engaging personality. And his ’96 performance against UCLA was phenomenal for a true freshman.

Q: Having “too much” depth at a position like running back can create problems with morale and even lead to transfers. Does Pete Carroll or the USC staff ever point out (or imply)to disgruntled players that having fewer carries and plays in college will actually save their bodies to cash more NFL paychecks later? Something like, “Even if you start one season or share a spot one season at ‘SC, you will still get noticed enough by pro scouts to get drafted high. All you need is a few good games on film and look good at the NFL combine and you will thrive.”

A: Pete Carroll doesn’t really try to rationalize playing time because players really are not placated by the “we’re doing you a favor by not playing you” argument. Instead he focuses on telling them they can play if they keep competing. Usually, it works. Rarely (Emmanuel Moody), it does not.

Q: Who do you think will start at running back vs Virginia and who will be the backup QB?

A: C.J. Gable will be the backup because I consider Joe McKnight and Stafon Johnson as co-No. 1’s right now. All three are supposed to play tomorrow. Obviously, Aaron Corp is the backup QB.