With Washington Ineligible, USC May Be Thin at Tailback

USC could be going into spring football practice with only two tailbacks.

Junior Reggie Bush is thought to be headed to the NFL to become one of the league’s top draft picks, and junior LenDale White also may leave school to launch his professional career.

Now, Chauncey Washington, a talented back who might have filled their void, has been declared academically ineligible for spring practice, Coach Pete Carroll said Friday.

Washington also was ineligible the past two seasons. He fared better academically in the fall semester, Carroll said, but he did not reach the standard needed to participate in spring drills. Washington, a junior, could remain in school -- spring semester classes begin Monday -- and play next season if he qualifies academically.

The former South Torrance High star recently said that he, too, would consider making himself available for the draft if he were again ineligible.

Minus those three players, the Trojans would have only Hershel Dennis and Michael Coleman in spring camp.

Dennis, who will be a fifth-year senior in the fall, sat out last season while recovering from knee surgery. Coleman, a freshman from San Bernardino, had hip problems early this season but was impressive in bowl-game workouts.

Sophomore Desmond Reed tore knee ligaments against Notre Dame and is still recovering from surgery.

Carroll is expected to meet with the Trojans’ draft-eligible players through next week.

The deadline to declare for the draft is Jan. 15.

Junior offensive lineman Winston Justice said Friday that he hoped to meet with Carroll on Monday when the Trojans gather as a team for the first time since the Rose Bowl loss to Texas.

Justice said he had not made a decision about his future.

“I’m still kind of shocked over the game,” he said. “It’s really up in the air.”

Carroll said Thursday that he would advise Bush to go pro, if he was emotionally ready and wanted to, because of his status as the top running back in the draft. White met with Carroll on Thursday and said he would announce his decision next week.

Junior safety Darnell Bing, junior flanker Steve Smith and junior offensive lineman Fred Matua are other draft-eligible Trojans considering leaving school early.