Pollard Expects Top-Notch Defense

After a day off Monday for the start of classes, USC players will begin studying Auburn in earnest as they prepare for their Labor Day opener at the Coliseum.

Few, if any, anticipate the buildup as eagerly as middle linebacker Mike Pollard.

The fifth-year senior started the Trojans’ first 11 games last season, then sprained his left knee during practice before the Las Vegas Bowl, missed the game and underwent off-season surgery to remove cartilage.

Pollard, who missed the 1999 season after undergoing surgery to repair torn ligaments in the same knee, worked his way back last spring and tested his leg’s strength and stability during the first days of training camp.

“It feels great to be back out here, running around and bumping into people,” he said.

Starters from virtually every other unit have suffered injuries in the last two weeks but Pollard and the first-string linebackers have gone virtually unscathed.

Melvin Simmons was slowed for a day because of a sore ankle, but Matt Grootegoed appears recovered from a broken leg suffered last season and Pollard is back at full strength.

“We’re going to be a pretty good group this year,” said Pollard, second on the team with 81 tackles last season. “We have some experience and some talented young guys that look like they can help. This is going to be a good season for the defense.”

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Ronald Nunn, who sat out most workouts last week because of a hamstring strain, will take part in today’s light practice and said he is ready to earn the starting job at left cornerback.

Nunn, a junior transfer from San Francisco City College, was regarded as the leading candidate to replace Kevin Arbet when the senior underwent season-ending foot surgery last week. Now, he must displace freshman Justin Wyatt and hold off junior Marcell Allmond.

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Before Monday’s day off, Coach Pete Carroll gathered his players and reminded them to maintain their focus in the classroom and on the field.

They’ve spent the last two weeks poring over playbooks. Now, they must mix in textbooks.

“It’s a transition you have to deal with, and we have to deal with it in a game week,” Carroll said. “I just wanted to make them aware of it so they are mindful of the decisions they make and how they prioritize their time.”

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Zach Wilson, a senior offensive lineman, is expected to return to practice today after recovering from a foot strain suffered on the first day of training camp. Wilson will work at right guard and right tackle.