USC’s Rivers will stay in school

USC linebacker Keith Rivers said Thursday that he would return to USC for his final season of eligibility.

A two-year starter who led the Trojans with 85 tackles this season, Rivers said he received a round-two projection from the NFL.

“I just kind of felt like with a lot of growth I could potentially be a top-10, top-15 pick instead of late first or early second,” Rivers said.

A year after USC lost five juniors to the NFL, receiver Dwayne Jarrett is the only draft-eligible junior who plans to turn pro.

Rivers is one of 10 defensive starters who are due to return in 2007.

“The biggest thing is what I want to do with the group of guys we have coming back,” Rivers said. “It’s going to be an amazing opportunity to come back and play for whatever we play for, the Rose Bowl or the national championship.”

*

Running back Michael Coleman, who was declared academically ineligible at the end of the fall semester, said he had been readmitted and will participate in spring practice.

Coleman, a sophomore from San Bernardino, said his grade-point average was adequate but he was declared ineligible because of a dropped class.

“I’m coming to seize the opportunity,” he said. “Sometimes it takes a crisis to recognize your opportunity.”

*

A funeral mass for USC kicker Mario Danelo will be held today at 10:30 a.m. at Mary Star of the Sea church, located at 870 West 8th St. in San Pedro.... Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is scheduled to interview for the head coaching job at Minnesota.

-- Gary Klein

*

Boise State’s Chris Petersen won the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award as the national coach of the year. Petersen led Boise State to a 13-0 record and the No. 5 spot in the final Associated Press poll. The Broncos finished the season with a 43-42 overtime victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

*

Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson said he was still undecided whether to return for his senior season or make himself eligible for the NFL draft, contrary to a report by the Dallas Morning News.

*

UCLA offensive guard Shannon Tevaga, who has started 31 straight games, has decided to stay in school and play his senior season for the Bruins.

Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason, a former Los Alamitos High standout, also said he would return for his senior year.

*

Speedy wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, the second-leading receiver for Ohio State, said he would not return for his senior season and will make himself eligible for the NFL draft.

Notre Dame tailback Darius Walker, on pace to become the school’s career rushing leader, also said he would skip his senior year for the NFL draft.

*

Utah running back Darryl Poston, a transfer from USC who also played at Huntington Beach Edison, received another year of eligibility from the NCAA because of injuries.