Janzon ineligible

Steve Virgen

LOS ANGELES - The high hopes for former Orange Coast College

linebacker Martin Janzon were lost when the NCAA denied his appeal to

regain a college football scholarship to play for USC, Trojans Coach Pete

Carroll said Thursday.

The NCAA deemed Janzon ineligible last month after learning he had

used up all eligibility when he played amateur football in his homeland

Sweden.

Janzon appealed and the NCAA cleared him to practice less than two

weeks ago.

“It’s too bad,” said Carroll. “He was helping us with our depth at

linebacker and on special teams. It was really looking like he could help

us on special teams. We’ll try to find him a a place to play, but it

can’t be at this level.”

Janzon impressed Carroll with his strength and speed. The 6-foot-2,

220-pound linebacker earned All-American and All-Mission Conference

laurels last season, helping the Bucs to a Mission Conference Central

Division title and bowl berth.

USC Sports Information Director Tim Tessalone said the NCAA denied

Janzon’s appeal because of precedence. After becoming 21 years old, each

year of organized play counts as one season in the NCAA.

“I think the rule is not designed for football players,” OCC football

coach Mike Taylor said. “The rule is more geared toward tennis and soccer

players.”