The Best in the Nation Is Also Trojan MVP

Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy recognizes his status as the “Outstanding College Football Player in the United States.”

On Tuesday, about 12 hours after returning from New York, Bush also won a coveted local honor when he was announced as top-ranked USC’s most valuable player for the second straight year.

Being the Heisman winner doesn’t always guarantee garnering the team’s top award. When quarterback Matt Leinart won the Heisman last year, Bush still won the team MVP.

The junior tailback accepted the award at the conclusion of the Trojans’ annual awards banquet at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

“In the last couple of weeks I’ve been to about 12 banquets. This is by far the best one, the most energetic and the most important one,” Bush said after he was presented the award by seniors Frostee Rucker and Leinart.

Bush, a consensus All-American, also received other team awards, including “Lifter of the year,” which he shared with offensive linemen Taitusi Lutui and Sam Baker.

Lutui, a senior, also was offensive lineman of the year. Lutui and Rucker, a defensive end, were co-inspirational players of the year.

Sophomore end Lawrence Jackson was defensive lineman of the year, and kicker Mario Danelo and freshman linebacker Kaluka Maiava were co-special teams players of the year.

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USC will resume practice on Friday in preparation for the Jan. 4 Rose Bowl game against second-ranked Texas. The Trojans will also practice Saturday before breaking again until next Tuesday.

-- Gary Klein