Answer Sunday, Round 1

Q: Could you elaborate on what you mean when you say that Mitch Mustain has good poise and a nice touch?

A: Not really, but Matt Leinart had the same qualities.

Q: Word is James Wilson is transferring out of Florida after only one year. I find this ironic, especially since he reneged on his commitment to be a Trojan the last minute because his mom supposedly wanted him to be a Gator. Have you heard if he intends to transfer to SC, and would the coaching staff accept him?

A: I haven't heard that he wants to come to USC ``so far,'' as O.J. Mayo says. But USC loaded up on linemen in the current recruiting class, so there's no overwhelming need to take him. However, there is an overwhelming need to stick it to Urban Meyer, under the ``competing'' creed of Pete Carroll. Consider the transfer of Emmanuel Moody and the lost recruits to Florida this year, including Will Hill. So nothing will surprise me on this topic.

Q: I've read that USC will allow 08 recruit Uona Kavienga and 09 recruit Manti Te'o to go on their Mormon missions after their freshman years. I assume that the coaches will redshirt them their freshman year so that when they come back they'll have four years of eligibility. But what happens to their scholarships during the two years that they are gone? Can other recruits, e.g., JUCO players or transfers use that scholarship slots for two years, or must those scholarship slots be considered "taken" and not available for use by another recruit? Thanks a lot for the forum.

A: I don't believe it's certain yet on the decisions to go on missions, but in any event, the scholarships can be used by others.

Q: In a recent article about the defensive line, it was stated that Kyle Moore will probably 'flip' over to
the other side of the defensive line to replace the departing Lawrence Jackson. I did not know that the DE's have specific sides; I assume they relate to the strong side versus weak side of the formation? If so, what are the skills associated with one side versus the other, and do you agree that Moore will switch and replace Jackson?

A: At USC, most defensive ends can play both sides, but they do have different responsibilities. The weakside defensive, or ``Leo'' in USC's terminology, is usually a quicker player. Keith Rivers played there during his freshman year and Clay Matthews played the spot at times in practice last year. One reason is that side is a right-handed quarterbacks blind side. Kyle Moore can play either side but would probably switch to Jackson's side because Griffen's forte right now is rushing the quarterback.