COLLEGE FOOTBALL USC NOTES : Trojans Have Another Horse on Offensive Line

Tony Boselli, a 6-foot-7, 275-pound tackle from Boulder, Colo., could be USC’s next great offensive lineman.

A national magazine predicted that Boselli, a second-year freshman, will be the No. 1 “impact newcomer” in college football. Another called him the country’s fourth-best redshirt freshman.

John Matsko, who coaches USC’s offensive linemen, says: “Tony Boselli will be in the class of (former USC tackles) Dave Cadigan and Pat Harlow. He’s a dominating football player--excellent run blocker, really good pass blocker, tremendous desire.

“He’s a very special guy. They come along every so often, and we’re very fortunate to have a guy like him. I believe he will be the best redshirt freshman offensive lineman in the country, bar none.”

It has been speculated that junior tailback Estrus Crayton, a transfer from Rancho Santiago College in Santa Ana, will redshirt this year.

But after Crayton ran for 79 yards in nine carries Saturday during an intrasquad scrimmage, which was highlighted by Crayton’s 65-yard touchdown run, Coach Larry Smith said: “It’s going to be hard not to have him playing this year. I think he’s going to definitely fit into the plans.”

Crayton was a two-time junior college All-American at Rancho Santiago, where he accumulated 4,062 all-purpose yards, falling 53 yards short of a national record. Last season, the 6-2, 190-pounder rushed for 1,112 yards, caught 33 passes for 406 yards, averaged almost 30 yards on kickoff returns and scored 22 touchdowns.

Trojan Notes

Sophomore center Craig Gibson sprained his left knee Saturday and may miss the Trojans’ opener against Memphis State on Sept. 2 at the Coliseum. . . . Senior Derrick Deese will move over from guard to replace Gibson, with redshirt freshman Kris Pollack replacing Deese.