March 2007 Archives

That 272-page spring guide put out by Texas claims the Longhorns are third in most all-time television appearances with 352, trailing only Michigan (369) and USC (355).
There's just one problem: According to USC records, the Trojans have 360 TV appearances, not 355.

This blog was born. Twelve months later, you, the readers continue to make it relevant. This month, hits continue at record levels, so once again, take a bow.

If Arkansas quarterback Mitch Mustain transfers to USC this summer, he will have participated in just one less practice than his teammate, wide receiver Damian Williams, who became a Trojan in January.
That’s because an MRI revealed Williams suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder in USC’s first spring practice and he will undergo surgery next week. He will be sidelined at least three months. Williams originally injured his shoulder at Arkansas last season and aggravated the injury during his first practice last week.

Wide receiver Corey Surrency of El Camino College visited USC this week. What's interesting is that a coach said he's never seen someone learn football as quickly as Surrency, who dropped out of high school in the 11th grade and played only flag football. ``It's pretty amazing,'' a coach said.
Surrency, who is originally from South Ridge, Fla., has already been offered by Colorado.

We recently recounted a respectful dinner encounter between USC and UCLA players involving linebacker Brian Cushing. But linebacker Rey Maualuga said when he bumped into some Bruins at a local restaurant, there was little to talk about.
``We have our own sides of the restaurant,'' Maualuga said. ``It's more like a competition. We're just keeping to ourselves because we're hungry for next year's game and going to come out fighting.''

C.J. Gable is always mentioned as one of the first tailbacks who would switch positions, but if the Trojans put out a depth chart today, he would be the No. 1 tailback.

Here's more than you will ever want to know about the walk-ons who recently made the team:

Mozique McCurtis is playing cornerback, nickel back and safety in practices, the only player to perform at three different positions in the secondary.

It's no longer considered inconceivable that Steve Smith could get drafted ahead of Dwayne Jarrett. Likely? Probably not.
But NFL people are not scoffing at the idea anymore.

A USC coach said this week he detected hostile feelings during a visit to Dorsey High School, apparently over the use (or lack of use) regarding tailback Stafon Johnson. Johnson said this week his injured shoulder feels better and he will be ready for training camp, although there remains the possibility he will transfer.

Fullback Jody Adewale said he was asked again to participate in spring drills by the coaching staff but declined because of time constraints and because he already got a job.

Before Pro Day, wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett was considered a mid-to-late first round pick. After Pro Day, he's considered a mid-to-late first round pick. His slow 40 time was not considered a huge setback.
``We didn't expect him to be fast anyways,'' one NFL coach said.

Former USC wide receiver Johhnie Morton will fight Mixed Martial Arts legend Royce Gracie for pay-per-view TV at the Coliseum in June.

Here's some other Pro Day times, including Sultan McCullough's 4.51.

Dwayne Jarrett ran a slower time (4.62) in the 40 at Pro Day than Dallas Sartz (4.58). Some NFL teams clocked Jarrett at 4.64 and 4.65.

Texas just put out a 272-page spring football media guide even though NCAA rules state guides must be limited to 208 pages.

Memo to Internet recruiting websites. Now we're hearing that Compton High defensive end Datone Jones is probably the shakiest commitment from the recent haul of prospects by UCLA.

OK, maybe we spoke too soon when we recounted our favorite Pro Day memory. We now hear that former USC tailback Sultan McCullough and linebacker Mike Pollard will also be participating in tomorrow's Pro Day.
We thought Pro Day was reserved for ``current'' USC players but apparently were mistaken. This at least adds some drama to the festivities, which were sorely lacking with Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and 3,000 fans skipping this year's workout.

USC broke out the shotgun offense today with quarterback John David Booty enjoying the formation he ran in high school.
"It might help us out," Pete Carroll said.
"It's not any big transition for John David."
Vidal Hazelton and Fred Davis got extensive work today with lots of downfield passes. Carroll also praised the freshmen linemen, like Zach Heberer and Butch Lewis.

With Pro Day tomorrow, it's time to recount our favorite story involving football player workouts before NFL teams. Back in 2001 before there was so much interest, tight end Antoine Harris worked out for scouts and coaches when word spread that the police and campus security were headed to Howard Jones Field because of an alleged sexual assault accusation.
Before law enforcement arrived, however, Harris took off his cleats, jumped the fence at Howard Jones Field and fled the scene.
Harris eventually cooperated with authorities and no charges were filed.

For the past few years, Pete Carroll adopted a recruiting strategy he observed most notably at Florida State. Carroll learned that elite schools could afford to wait longer than other schools at securing commitments, and it was OK to have only four or five by December.
The idea was it made for better evaluations because you could actually see a recruit play his senior season. Well, USC's been forced to modify that philosophy because the recruiting season's become so much more accelerated.
The Trojans already seven commitments and are offering many other recruits. The reason is simple: If USC waits, other schools will use it against them, telling recruits they must not be wanted if they haven't been offered a scholarship by the Trojans.
So now we have intense recruiting battles in March.

El Camino College kicker Joe Houston might not have gained admission to USC, but former Nebraska kicker Jordan Congdon showed up for practice last weekend and reaffirmed he would join the Trojans next year.

Florida fans are purchasing personalized commemorative bricks to be laid on the Gator Walk near Florida Field, honoring UF’s 2006 BCS national crown.

One of the top recruits USC signed in February must avoid getting any D's this spring to gain eligibility for the fall. We hear the recruit, who hails from Southern California, has an extremely difficult teacher for one class, that gives some at his high school quite a bit of concern.

With NFL teams currently saying wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett is a mid-to-late first round draft pick, would it have made a difference if he returned for his senior season and cracked the top 10?
``We're only talking about $10 million,'' one coach said.

NFL teams say they are wavering on whether wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett should be a mid-or-late first round choice. Jarrett's Pro Day workout could answer those lingering questions.
Center Ryan Kalil is believed to be a first-round draft choice. Wide receiver Steve Smith's become a prototype ``third-down receiver'' according to several sources. That could make him a second-or-third round pick, but he could fall if teams decide they can afford to wait and take him later.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez worked more with the first team today, as players like John David Booty, Sam Baker and Sedrick Ellis were given a break. Tailback C.J. Gable did not practice after jamming his foot on Friday but should return Tuesday.
Cornerback-safety Mozique McCurtis also sat out with a sore knee. USC coach Pete Carroll singled out fullback Stanley Havili as someone who stood out in early practices. The kicking game, without snapper Will Collins, proved to be an adventure Sunday.

Our El Camino College sources tell us kicker Joe Houston did not get accepted by USC and will not be a walk-on in the fall.

Colorado coach Dan Hawkins is on campus today for a coaches clinic. Perhaps he can bump into Mark Sanchez to further fuel last week's Internet rumors after Sanchez watched his friend practice at Colorado.

Wide receiver Damian Williams, the transfer from Arkansas, said he will undergo an MRI on Monday or Tuesday because of suspected cartilege damage in his shoulder. He stretched a ligament in his shoulder last season at Arkansas and may have aggravated the injury during Tuesday's opening spring practice.

Mater Dei offensive tackle Khaled Holmes stopped by USC today and was offered a scholarship. Meanwhile, this weekend's coaches clinic drew 530 participants to hear Pete Carroll and others speak, nearly double last season's total. There were only 300 registered two weeks ago.

Is there a chance someone would get moved to fullback for spring practice to alleviate the shortage?
"It's possible," assistant coach Todd McNair said. "We haven't discussed it yet but we might have to do something."

We've mentioned before how USC can always go out-of-state to find recruits these days if it loses someone locally. Someone who fits that model is offensive tackle Kyle Long (6-7, 275) from Charlottesville, Va. He will be invited to the summer camp and is the son of former Raiders defensive lineman Howie Long.

Looks like the decision to ask Jody Adewale for his scholarship was not the wisest decision in hindsight.
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_5501142

Cornerback Martin Blencowe ran a 4.3 40 during the walk-on tryouts this week. Now if the former rugby player can actually use that speed on the football field will be determined in the next few weeks.

Linebacker Brian Cushing strained his hamstring and will undergo an MRI on Monday. It’s not known how long he will be out. Cushing was on crutches Thursday night but also walked on his own without problems.
``It really scared me at first,’’ Cushing said. ``I thought it was a tear. I’ve never done that before. We’ll see how long it takes. It’s not like there is a game on Saturday.’’
The initial reaction at USC was that it could have been worse.

Linebacker Brian Cushing felt a pop in his hamstring and looks like he will be out awhile.
"Its a really legitimate pull, unfortunately," USC coach Pete Carroll said.

Brian Cushing went down right now and was helped off the field. He's getting his leg examined although initial indications are it is not serious.
Michael Coleman is dressed but not practicing. Same for Will Harris and Jamere Holland. Long touchdown catches for Travon Patterson and Allen Bradford so far.

How was he in one workout? ``John David is more fit and stronger than he's been,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said.

Is it fullback Stanley Havili? At least in terms of the depth crisis at the spot.
Michael Coleman (hip) is not 100 percent, Brandon Hancock is not returning for a sixth year and the Trojans took two walk-ons at the position yesterday.
``We're really counting on (Havili),'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``He can do all the stuff a fullback needs to do. He's the fastest guy we've had next to Hancock.''

Eleven players made the team today following walk-on tryouts, notably punter Billy O'Mally, who was the most impressive kicker. Punter Parker St. Clair also made the team.
Here's the list of players:

Wide receiver Jamere Holland suffered a groin injury during the first practice Tuesday.

Senior tailback Chauncey Washington said he isn't worried about freshmen Joe McKnight, Marc Tyler or Broderick Green.
``Nothing against those guys, but when you're young, you need to come to camp and learn what it means to be a Trojan,'' Washington said.
Right now, Washington's bigger concern is academics because he is struggling this semester.
``I just got lazy the first few weeks of school,'' Washington said. ``It’s more from not going to classes. I got too much of myself. It happens.''

Fullback Brandon Hancock said he will not participate in Pro Day, which is probably a wise decision since he underwent knee surgery last August. Hancock wanted to workout for the pro teams, to see if he could impress any coaches/scouts and as a final gesture to his football career.

Yesterday, a Nebraska radio station called and the first question asked was about USC's untested wide receivers. For the first practice, sophomore Vidal Hazelton and redshirt freshman David Ausberry stood out. Ausberry looks big enough to play tight end and will fill the ``big receiver role'' even with Patrick Turner starting.
Hazelton's good impression is not surprising. He did the same thing in training camp before hitting a wall. It will be interesting to see if he avoids the same fate in the spring.

Arkansas quarterback Mitch Mustain will visit USC again during spring practice, probably around the time of the spring game at the Coliseum.
``Right now, I can’t say honestly where he will transfer but he loved it out here and he is coming back to watch spring practices,’’ former Arkansas and current USC wide receiver Damian Williams said. ``He’s trying to sort things out and make a decision.''
Williams spent last week in Arkansas and said he talked to Mustain every day.

Nick Howell would start at center, according to offensive line coach Pat Ruel. Jeff Byers worked at left guard Tuesday.

We don't usually get too crazy about one day of practice, but Pete Carroll just told us this was the best first day in spring drills since he's been at USC.

Pete Carroll praised the wide receivers after the first practice. "They exceeded my expectations," he said.
Drew Radovich moved to right tackle and C.J. Gable got most of the reps at tailback.

USC has four players on the Lombardi Award preliminary watch list, the most in the nation. TCU is second with three.

Wide receiver Jamere Holland was pulled off the track team Monday and will join the football team for spring practices. Holland sat out last season with a broken collarbone though he did participate in some bowl practices.

One of the talking points around the football program today is that three of UCLA's recent commitments -- Aaron Hester of Dominguez, Rahim Moore of Dorsey and E.J. Woods -- might not be as solid as originally thought.

Cornerback Kevin Thomas will not participate in spring practice to allow his shoulder to fully heal following post-season surgery. Tight end Anthony McCoy said he will be out at least two more weeks, but appears likely to be out longer.

Michael Coleman will undergo an MRI today on his chronically injured hip to see if he will be able to participate in spring practice. According to a source, Coleman's still got a long recovery ahead to get back to his normal self.
It's unfortunate for Coleman because the Trojans will only have Stanley Havili and walk-on Cooper Stephenson at fullback in the spring.

Will Michael Coleman be a part of spring practices? He did not attend winter workouts regularly, presumably to work on his academics although getting a coach to confirm he is on the team was a chore at times.
He is supposed to move to fullback and would be needed in spring drills with the shortage of fullbacks now that Brandon Hancock is not returning. But we will have to wait and see.

A big question with the start of spring practice will be the center position. Ryan Kalil is finally gone after four years and Jeff Byers, the heir apparent missed most of last season with a back injury. Byers said he feels much better now.
Other candidates include Matt Spanos, ineligible last season, and Nick Howell, who tore the ligaments in the finger of offensive line coach Pat Ruel during a snapping drill last season.

Seven schools that played in bowl games are still competing in the NCAA Tournament: Florida, Ohio State, Oregon, USC, Tennessee, Texas A&M and UCLA will

Venice tailback Curtis McNeal, who committed last week, measured in at 5-6 1/2 last month, which makes him an ideal replacement for Desmond Reed.

At least two NFL coaches that attended Notre Dame's Pro Day on March 4 claim the Irish paraded their Junior Day recruits right through the area where the pro workouts took place.
Under NCAA rules, prospective recruits cannot attend Pro Day festivities.

For the record, quarterback Mark Sanchez is unconcerned about whether Arkansas quarterback Mitch Mustain transfers to USC. But his back injury helps explain why Garrett Green will remain solely at quarterback during spring practice.

Mark Sanchez got a taste of the Internet this week when he visited his friend, Colorado wide receiver Scotty McKnight, while on spring break and attended a Buffalo practice Monday. Immediately, rumors swirled that Sanchez was transferring to Colorado and unhappy at USC.
Sanchez said he was stunned at how people took his visit to see a friend out of context.

A recurring back injury could be an issue for USC quarterback Mark Sanchez heading into spring practice next week.
``The way it was hurting, I was questionable (for spring practice),'' Sanchez said. ``It started flaring up.''
It's the same injury that nearly made Sanchez unavailable late last season before his back recovered.

Let's hope Pete Carroll and Reggie Bush do not speak to the USC basketball team before the Trojans play Texas on Sunday. Or that Bush doesn't teach Gabe Pruitt to lateral the ball to the backcourt against the Longhorns.

We hear USC's moved ahead of Michigan in the recruiting of Mater Dei offensive tackle Khaled Holmes.

In other news, reserve offensive lineman Nick Howell is now benchpressing 440 pounds.

USC defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin officially turned down Portland State. Martin hopes to get an internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason for some NFL experience but will coach the Trojans at least one more season.

When they aren't investigating Reggie Bush, the NCAA does more important things, like put on the women's basketball regionals this weekend at the Galen Center. One of the first things the NCAA did was turn off the wireless Internet access inside the arena so it could charge $29.99 per day for the service.
It's not enough to survive on the $6 billion CBS shelled out for the rights to televise the men's tournament apparently.

Although safety Marshall Jones will not arrive until the fall, here's an interesting fact: Oaks Christian runs the same defensive scheme as USC, so Jones will have a much smaller learning curve.

Kevin Thomas is also questionable for spring practice following his post-season surgery. With Terrell Thomas already out following shoulder surgery, it means Shareece Wright and Vincent Joseph will get plenty of reps. It also means double duty for Mozique McCurtis, as we mentioned before.
Garrett Green will remain at quarterback and not help out at safety this spring. And speaking of surgery, assistant coach Todd McNair underwent an operation on his torn Achilles.

Sophomore Will Harris tore knee ligaments a year ago and missed the season but he will be ready to practice next week for spring drills. That's good because Harris, Taylor Mays and Mozique McCurtis will get the reps and McCurtis will also play cornerback.

Despite being offered a job by new Portland State coach Jerry Glanville, USC defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin said he expects to remain with the Trojans.

Former USC assistant coach Greg Burns was hired by Kansas State.

With snapper Will Collins out of spring practice following knee surgery, Matt Spanos and wide receiver Brad Walker will become the long-snappers.

A couple USC players, led by linebacker Brian Cushing, recently bumped into some UCLA players, led by offensive lineman Shannon Tevaga. After a few tense early moments, things eventually loosened up.
Cushing talked about the problems the defense had with some assignments while the Bruins talked about their respect for Cushing, because he did not talk trash during the game.

Demetrice Martin, a graduate assistant who coaches the cornerbacks, is a candidate to become secondary coach at Portland State. His loss would be significant because the Trojans would need to find someone willing to coach cornerbacks as a graduate assistant because there are no full-time openings on the staff.

In a pre-emptive maneuver, UCLA might offer Dominguez linebacker Marquis Simmons a scholarship, even though he is only a sophomore. His older brother, Maurice, committed to USC last week.

We hear offensive lineman Matt Spanos is doing well academically and will be allowed to participate in spring practice next week.

You need a scorecard to keep track of injured players sometimes, but now we hear defensive end Michael Morgan is questionable for spring practice because he hurt his back lifting weights. Sounds like an avoidable injury.

Former USC wide receiver Steve Smith working out in preparation for Pro Day at Howard Jones Field with former LSU quarterback Josh Booty, the older brother of USC quarterback John David Booty.

A player certain to be invited to USC's summer camp is center Benji Kemoeatu of Kahuku High in Hawaii, who is creating a lot of buzz, according to sources. Kemoeatu (6-4, 315) already received a scholarship offer from Hawaii.

Josh Pinkard (knee ligaments) is also out for spring practice, which leaves Taylor Mays as the only healthy safety among the top three. Mozique McCurtis could play some safety but that creates a problem at cornerback. Quarterback Garrett Green could also make one of his many switches back and forth.
If incoming freshman Marshall Jones were enrolled, he would get plenty of reps this spring.

Safety Kevin Ellison, who underwent knee surgery after the Rose Bowl, will do some running but probably will not participate in spring practice, which begins next week.

USC is one 21 schools that made a bowl game and the NCAA Tournament and one of five BCS bowl teams to double this year.

With yesterday's big day of commitments for UCLA, who does it really hurt in the end?
Pete Carroll will end up getting enough players (and had not offered several of those who did commit) and this helps satisfy the Bruin Internet geeks upset with Karl Dorrell.
In the end, it probably only affects USC assistant coach Ken Norton, who will no doubt be frustrated because he recruits the city of Los Angeles, where many of the commitments originated.

Maybe USC's Selection Sunday viewing should have been in the Galen Center dining hall to create the illusion of more people for the TV audience.

One school of thought at UCLA is that Dorsey wide receiver Rahim Moore and tailback/safety Johnathan Franklin did not consider USC because of the way Stafon Johnson was used (not used) this season.
The problem with that is USC never evaluated Franklin and it offered Moore a scholarship two weeks ago, long after he already decided to go to UCLA. But the Johnson angle does make for an interesting story.

Former USC quarterbacks Matt Leinart and Matt Cassel are participating in a passing clinic today at San Marino High School. At least one of those Matt's will probably give you an autograph. And you can ask Cassel about the similarities playing behind Leinart and Tom Brady.

USC coach Tim Floyd did not use fatigue as an alibi for the Oregon rout.
``Were our guys tired?'' he said. ``(Oregon) played two games in two days too and answered the challenge.
``We're looking forward to the pairings. We'll see how that goes. We've been a resilient group. I trust we'll play better in the tournament.''

USC coach Tim Floyd on O.J. Mayo getting cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession.
``I'm not going to have any response on it until I know more about it,'' Floyd said.

Football is still king, apparently, but I got a chance to tell some USC coaches that Rahim Moore of Dorsey and Datone Jones of Compton committed to UCLA today.
Every day is a battle and we'll follow every move.

USC coach Tim Floyd was asked about the advantage of playing in Los Angeles for three days in the Pac-10 Tournament.
``It didn't help us last year against Cal (in the tournament),'' Floyd said.

Compton defensive end Datone Jones visits UCLA today, 24 hours after stopping by USC. He has not committed anywhere yet.
Neither has Long Beach Poly defensive tackle Jurrell Casey.

Aaron Hester of Dominguez just committed to UCLA. USC was going to offer the cornerback but now will need to change his mind if it wants him.

Long Beach Poly defensive tackle Jurrell Casey received a scholarship offer from USC today.

We've confirmed USC offered Compton High defensive end Datone Jones a scholarship. Now the wait begins.

The last time USC played Washington State in the Pac-10 Tournament? Anyone care to guess the year and who won (score included)?

Maybe tonight's USC-Washington State game will reprise some of last weekend's drama between the teams, when the coaches confronted each other at midcourt. Cougars coach Tony Bennett started the incident when yelled, ``Get back in your f------ box'' at least four times toward USC coaches.
That prompted a USC assistant coach to respond with a similar remark and eventually Coach Tim Floyd was drawn into the fray.

A player not from Southern California making a big impression right now is linebacker Lynn Fatoa of Salt Lake City, Utah. Fatoa goes to the same high school as USC fullback Stanley Havili and has been offered by Colorado and Oklahoma State.
He just made USC's radar and will likely be offered a scholarship.

USC's overtime victory over Stanford in the Pac-10 Tournament will boost the Trojans' seeding in the NCAA Tournament to sixth or seventh, according to sources within the program. If USC keeps winning, the same sources believe the Trojans could go as high as fourth.

We mentioned USC would respond to UCLA's offer of a scholarship to Maurice Simmons and today Simmons committed. Now we hear USC is offering Compton defensive end Datone Jones a scholarship, fresh on the heels of the Bruins' offer.
Like we keep emphasizing, this is turning into a pitched battle, with an agitated USC responding to UCLA.

Word around town is UCLA believes it will get its first commitments this weekend. This might be a time to see if Dorsey wide receiver Rahim Moore actually verbally commits, as the Bruins believe. USC offered Moore two weeks ago after learning of UCLA's offer.
And it's safe to say USC coach Pete Carroll is less than impressed with UCLA hiring Eric Scott as its wide receivers coach (see post below ``The Rivalry Thickens.'') So relations are only going to get worse.

Memo to Matt Leinart: Actress Scarlett Johansson will be at the second floor of Nordstrom in The Grove tonight from 7-9 p.m. to debut her Scarlett "Hearts" Rbk, her new athletic-inspired sportswear line.

We visited Servite High School and heard an interesting tidbit: Linebacker Chris Galippo might also try longsnapping next season. That would help answer the question of who would handle those duties in two years when Will Collins graduates.

Us Weekly reports Matt Leinart recently got shot down by actress Scarlett Johansson in Miami.
Maybe she doesn't dig unwed fathers. Or something got "Lost in Translation" because Leinart went for an actress that isn't a has-been or entering rehab.

One observer at USC's winter workouts says freshman linebacker Josh Tatum looks, ``the best I've ever seen him.'' Tatum's been sidelined since he arrived last summer with a knee injury suffered in high school.

Tony Boselli, Mark Carrier, Sam Cunningham, Marlin McKeever and Richard Wood are all on the 2007 ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame released today.

Assistant coach Todd McNair tore his Achilles during a pickup basketball game at the Galen Center and will need to be off his foot for awhile. McNair's heel went numb during the incident and it will probaby affect how much he participates in spring practice.

UCLA offered Dominguez High linebacker Maurice Simmons a scholarship. Get ready for a response from USC.

Still no decision yet from Arkansas quarterback Mitch Mustain.

UCLA is hiring Eric Scott as its wide receivers coach. That's going to heat up the rivalry because Scott and USC linebackers coach Ken Norton got into a confrontation during a home visit to recruit Brian Price before signing date. It should lead to even more recruiting battles because Scott and Norton figure to go head-to-head in the Los Angeles area.

Former coaches Ara Parseghian and Lou Holtz will coach two teams in the annual Notre Dame Blue-Gold Game on April 21. Maybe USC's spring scrimmage at the Coliseum next month could feature Norm Chow vs. Lane Kiffin as coaches.
The loser would be forced to initiate their first conversation in more than two years and break the ice before the Raiders play at Tennessee next season.

Now we know where USC band director Art Bartner will be in May. Otherwise it might be hard finding someone else stuck in the 70's to buy a ticket for this concert. http://www.hob.com/tickets/eventdetail.asp?eventid=44300

In the next installment of ``who is the backup punter?'' we nearly forgot that kicker Brook Van Muijen of Monte Vista High in Danville was also a punter. If no one else arrives, Van Muijen would be the backup to Greg Woidneck next season.

Former tight end Dominqiue Byrd was reportedly arrested for driving under the influence Sunday.

Verle W. Sorgen, Coordinator of Football Officiating for the Pacific-10 Conference and a former USC baseball player, has announced his retirement from the position.

Miami (Fla.) officials are considering moving home football games to Dolphin Stadium if a deal can’t be reached to renovate the Orange Bowl.

The U.S. House of Representatives commended USC last week for the Trojans’ 2007 Rose Bowl victory.

It sounds like Dominguez linebacker Maurice Simmons continues to draw interest from USC, much like Notre Dame defensive end Wes Horton did last week before he committed.

Headline in today's London's Independent: ``Coventry City 2 Hull City 0: Dowie's off to flyer with Sky Blues.''
Remember we advised USC to hire Iain Dowie as its soccer coach.

There's nothing really fun or interesting about winter workouts. Maybe the best story was in 1999, when wide receiver R. Jay Soward refused to attend them, which gave a little spice to everything.
But this winter, an example of their value came early on, when tailback Chauncey Washington lost seven pounds in the first week.

Now we know why they built the Galen Center. So it could host prestigious functions like this http://www.usc.edu/schools/sppd/bedrosian/events/david_abel_colloquium.html
Here's hoping the soft-serve ice cream machine finally works.

It's time to revisit the issue of backup punter now that Taylor Odegard is no longer on the football team and someone needs to backup Greg Woidneck. Just like a year ago, there is talk that Parker St. Clair, who went to Dana Hills High School and San Diego State, will try to walk-on. Of course, nothing's official at the moment.
UPDATED: St. Clair is already attending classes at USC, which increases his chances of being on the fall roster.

We hear the basketball program wants to have a Selection Sunday party that includes boosters (fans) but is having a little difficulty with a site. The Galen Center seems a natural choice, but getting a TV feed on the video screens is posing a problem.
Another alternative would be the Galen Center dining facility, but it might be too small for a real party.

Apparently no one edited this story on Petros Papadakis for lewd language, which might be a first for the Daily Trojan. http://media.www.dailytrojan.com/media/storage/paper679/news/2007/03/02/Sports/Usc-Basketball.Through.The.Eyes.and.Mouth.Of.Petros.Papadakis-2754049.shtml
As an aside, I thought Petros told me he wasn't a fan of any particular Pac-10 team.
``USC basketball is probably the only team that I'm an absolute fan of in the city, or in existence, really," Petros said.

Freshman linebacker Josh Tatum redshirted last season because of a season-ending knee injury he suffered in high school. But he's been participating in winter workouts and should be able to participate in spring practice.

We hear UCLA is on the verge of offering a scholarship to Compton defensive end Datone Jones, who also attended last week's junior day at USC. If the Trojans eventually offer Jones too, it would be interesting because UCLA is making a concerted effort to recruit the area between South Los Angeles and Compton.
Last week, we talked about the Bruins' being close to getting Dorsey wide receiver Rahim Moore and USC's quick follow-up offer of a scholarship.

Another name to remember: Long Beach Poly linebacker Jurrell Casey.

Is it a coincidence national champion Florida had the most players at the recent NFL combine (13)?
Tennessee had nine while Notre Dame, Texas and Ohio State had eight.

With five commitments, USC will probably next offer Mater Dei offensive lineman Khaled Holmes, the younger brother of former tight end Alex Holmes, and Dominguez linebacker Maurice Simmons.

Notre Dame High defensive end Wes Horton committed to USC earlier tonight. He was identified by the coaching staff as a top priority earlier this week and offered a scholarship. We'll mention several other prospects that are top priorities later.

We don't have a timetable but our spy at Orange Lutheran tells us junior tight end Blake Ayles is currently a lock for USC.

We were going to mention how impressive it is that offensive line commit Matt Kalil measured in at 6-6 3/4 last week. Then we noticed a recruiting web site lists him as 6-8.
Either way, he's taller than his brother, former USC center Ryan Kalil.

Yesterday we mentioned Venice tailback Curtis McNeal. We hear he's been offered a scholarship by USC.
And he's also closer to 5-7 than the officially listed 5-8.

Most players want to gain weight in the offseason but sophomore safety Taylor Mays, who weighed as much as 235 pounds this winter, wants to drop 10 pounds. Mays could easily get bigger because of his size, but needs to stay in the 220's to keep his quickness at safety.