Out of answers

Q: Lets say Miami or Alabama or anybody signed 33 players this year, and that 3 are enrolled in the Spring, thus not counting against the 25 limit, but still leaving them 5 over----can they pick and choose any 5 that they want and tell them they have to greyshirt? Thanks.

A: They could greyshirt players, or it's also possible several may not qualify academically, which means they oversigned the class on purpose. USC does allow oversigning, by the way.

Q: I just read that a player at Mater Dei HS (I think one of Matt Barkley's fave targets) committed to USC as a "Preferred Walk-On." Please compare and contrast the features of a PWO vs. a regular Walk-On.
Also, Do you think USC fans realize what a huge commit Barkley is? He is projected to be better QB than Leinart, Palmer, or Brennan at the college level. (One long Mater Dei question!?!?)

A: A preferred walk-on means he was invited to walk-on by the coaches and does not have to try out for the team. It's not really that big a difference, but it makes kids feel better if they can't get a scholarship. Judging by the reaction, it seems USC fans are fully aware of the significance of Barkley's commitment.

Q: Where does James Dunleavy stand on the depth chart? He is non-scholarship, right? I am a bit surprised that a "Dunleavy" can't find his way onto the court as a healthy body to give the starters a blow in these dire straits, given that I would assume he has strong basketball acumen.

A: He should not be confused with his brother, although he is awfully skinny. He would be playing this season if he did not need a year to physically develop.

Q: Are there any set dates for when the Spring Practice is going to start? My dad is a huge fan and we were thinking about taking a trip to watch one of the high tempo practices?

A: March 25.

Q: Matt Spanos....where do you see him going in the draft?

A: If he gets drafted, it will be in the last round or so.

Q: Scott, any thoughts on the new rule preventing NCAA football head coaches from traveling for recruiting events during April and May?

A: I'm not sure why this rule is necessary because it's not like the coach is talking to kids when he visits the school. And high school coaches and kids get excited when a college coach visits. But there's a segment of people always looking for ways to attack recruiting methods. The NCAA would be better off trying to manage basketball recruiting, where far more violations take place.

Q: Please expand on the NCAA ruling to ban the horse-collar tackle.

A: The NCAA is merely catching up with the NFL by banning the tackle that involves grabbing the back-inside of an opponent's shoulder pads from behind and yanking the player down or by the collar of his jersey. In other words, you can't use the shoulder pads or jersey to immediately bring a player down. The NFL rules such tackles a personal foul.