Trojans Will Put No. 1 on the Line

USC opened training camp last year needing to replace nearly its entire backfield, including a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback.

Thanks to a record-setting season by quarterback Matt Leinart and a resurgent rushing performance by a trio of young tailbacks, the Trojans won a share of the national championship.

When USC begins practice today in preparation for its opener against Virginia Tech on Aug. 28, the major issues facing Coach Pete Carroll and his staff will be the offensive positions along the line of scrimmage.

The Trojans, ranked No. 1 in the ESPN/USA Today preseason coaches’ poll, must replace four starting offensive linemen from a unit that protected Leinart from major harm and paved the way for the Trojans’ rushing revival.

A tight-end corps that was regarded as perhaps the deepest and most talented in the nation at the end of last season has thinned considerably.

And with the eligibility of All-American Mike Williams and Whitney Lewis pending, Trojan receivers could be long on talent but short on experience.

Though concerned, Carroll said any uncertainty about the Trojans was “not anywhere near the same magnitude,” of last year when the untested Leinart replaced Heisman winner Carson Palmer.

A large group of returning players that helped the Trojans finish 12-1 will welcome a recruiting class that was regarded by many observers as the nation’s best.

Offensive lineman Jeff Byers, linebacker Keith Rivers, defensive lineman Jeff Schweiger and wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett are among the freshmen expected to compete for significant playing time as USC tries to become the first school since Nebraska in 1994 and 1995 to win consecutive national titles.

“I’m more excited for this class to show up, and this team to start coming together than anything I’ve ever been around,” said Carroll, beginning his fourth season with the Trojans. “I’ve invested more. I know more. And my hopes are high.”

Leinart, a junior, is considered one of the front-runners for the Heisman after passing for 3,556 yards and 38 touchdowns with only nine interceptions last season. Sophomore John David Booty, seniors Matt Cassel and Brandon Hance, junior Billy Hart and freshman Rocky Hinds are other quarterbacks on scholarship.

Junior Hershel Dennis and sophomores LenDale White and Reggie Bush combined to rush for more than 1,900 yards last season and each averaged at least 4.8 yards a carry.

“All of those guys are bigger, stronger and faster,” senior fullback Lee Webb said. “They are going to be fun to block for.”

Fifth-year senior Alex Holmes, who sat out last season because of a back injury, is the starting tight end. Junior Dominique Byrd had recovered from season-ending knee surgery and was expected to give the Trojans a powerful one-two punch at the position, but suffered another knee injury playing basketball last week and is expected to be out eight to 10 weeks. Gregg Guenther, who finished last season as the starter, decided after spring practice to concentrate solely on playing for the Trojan basketball team.

Carroll said Williams would practice while awaiting word from the NCAA on the school’s request for a progress-toward-degree waiver and reinstatement of the junior’s eligibility. Williams had hired an agent, making himself ineligible for further college play, and declared for the NFL draft before a federal court upheld the NFL’s policy of not drafting juniors. If the NCAA does not reinstate Williams, sophomore Steve Smith, who had 17 receptions in 2003, will be the Trojans’ most experienced wide receiver. Lewis finished spring drills atop the depth chart at one receiver spot, but his academic eligibility was in question early this week.

Senior Jason Mitchell, juniors Chris McFoy, William Buchanon and Greig Carlson and freshmen Jarrett, Fred Davis and Derrick Jones are hoping to take advantage of any opportunity.

“Whether Mike’s there or not -- the pressure is on that position to produce,” Carroll said.

But the pressure will be greatest on the offensive linemen.

“There’s a lot of question marks and it’s up for grabs,” Carroll said. “It’s a group that’s going to have to come together quickly.”

At the end of spring practice, sophomore Ryan Kalil was the center, redshirt sophomore Fred Matua and senior Travis Watkins were the guards, and redshirt freshman Sam Baker and redshirt sophomore Kyle Williams the tackles. That mix, though, could change with the arrival of Byers and junior college transfer Taitusi Lutui, among others.

Senior John Drake, who started seven games at guard and tackle last season, is coming off a season-ending ankle injury and has been trying to clear academic hurdles.

“All of these young cats are good and they’re hungry,” said Matua, who started most of last season. “But you have to get out there and play ball.”

The Trojans have few worries about their defense. Six starters are back from a unit that ranked first in the nation against the run (60.2 yards a game) and was second in turnover margin (+1.5 per game).

Senior Shaun Cody, who moved from tackle to end during the spring, and senior tackle Mike Patterson are All-American candidates. Junior end Frostee Rucker and sophomore tackle Manuel Wright begin training camp as projected starters.

Senior Matt Grootegoed, a Butkus and Lombardi award semifinalist last season, and juniors Lofa Tatupu and Dallas Sartz are returning starters for a deep linebacker corps that will be aided by the addition of Rivers and JC transfer Ryan Powdrell.

Sixth-year senior Kevin Arbet and senior Ronald Nunn are projected as the starting cornerbacks. Safeties Jason Leach and Darnell Bing are returning starters. All-American punter Tom Malone, a junior, and senior kicker Ryan Killeen also are back.

“We’re ready to get started,” Leinart said. “I can’t wait.”