Claiborne and Hackett Huddle Today

USC linebacker Chris Claiborne and Coach Paul Hackett will meet today to discuss whether Claiborne will jump to the NFL or return for his senior year.

“Me and Coach Hackett have a lot of talking to do,” Claiborne said. “I feel he needs to play a role. Hopefully, I can use him as a measuring stick on where I am as a player.”

Hackett already has talked to some NFL teams about Claiborne’s draft status, and said his role is to make sure Claiborne gets accurate information and to support him.

“I think if it looks like the top half of the first round, you’ve got to think seriously about it,” Hackett said. “The top five--that to me is the rare air. The first 15 is real good. After that, you look at it to see whether you might have a chance to be first next year.”

Hackett acknowledges he has some self-interest in his counseling.

“He’s also my No. 1 recruit,” he said. “Let’s face it, we’re an infinitely better defense at the start of next season with Chris Claiborne.”

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Defensive coordinator Bill Young interviewed with a search committee from Hawaii in Los Angeles on Tuesday and was told a decision might be made by this weekend. . . . Sophomore fullback Ted Iacenda has asked for his release and is expected to transfer, but Hackett hasn’t ruled him out of the Sun Bowl.