DAILY REPORT : JOHN HANCOCK

A year ago, Smith never would have predicted the emergence this season of sophomore tailback Mazio Royster.

“He’s a guy who, for two years, floundered around here,” Smith said. “I tried to run him out twice because he just wasn’t my kind of guy. I had to chase him to class all the time. He was late for meetings, practices. I suspended him on a number of occasions, left him at home (while the Trojans traveled)--all kinds of stuff--that first year or two.

“Then, finally, it was like somebody snapped a light on in his head. Now, he’s never late. He’s done well in school. He took the opportunity that was given to him this year and made something happen.”

Royster, who has averaged 104.3 yards a game on the ground, is only the third Trojan sophomore to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season. Going into Monday’s game, he has rushed for 1,043 yards, averaging 5.1 yards a carry.

“He and (Scott) Lockwood are a lot alike,” Smith said, comparing Royster to USC’s starting fullback. “You could break their legs and they’d still be out there dragging around, trying to practice.

“I am amazed at the way he has turned things around.”