Injury Curtails Hancock’s Career

USC fullback Brandon Hancock had been preparing for the opportunity since Jan. 1, 2004, when he suffered a knee injury against Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

Hancock overcame that injury and several others in the last two years and was on track to spend his final season as a starter.

Those plans ended Tuesday after test results confirmed that Hancock tore ligaments when he twisted his left knee awkwardly during practice on Monday.

Hancock, a fifth-year senior, wiped away tears as he talked about ending a career that was interrupted by myriad sprains, strains and surgeries. After redshirting in 2004, Hancock backed up David Kirtman last season.

“It looked like everything was going to play out the way I expected it to,” said Hancock, who graduated last spring and is pursuing a master’s degree in communications management. “Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. The nature of this game, you never know. It happens all the time. It’s just tough when it’s finally your time to get called.”

The burly Hancock blocked selflessly and finished his career with eight carries for 19 yards and a touchdown, and 24 receptions for 277 yards and two touchdowns.

“I don’t have any regrets, in a sense, because I know I gave everything I had,” he said.

Hancock said he would forgo an arthroscopic procedure that might allow him to play this season, because it would force him to wear a brace and require a major reconstructive procedure after the season. He does not plan to appeal for a sixth year of eligibility.

“I don’t want to jeopardize my long-term health,” he said. “I don’t want to have a crippled knee when I’m 30.”

Coach Pete Carroll praised Hancock for being “a terrific leader in our program and such a great worker.... To have this happen is really a shame.”

Hancock said he would have surgery in a few weeks and would point toward USC’s pro day to motivate him in recovery. “I think that would be good closure for me, to go out and end on a good performance in some way,” he said.

Senior Ryan Powdrell becomes the starting fullback. Seniors Mike Brittingham and Jody Adewale and freshman Stanley Havili are competing for playing time.

“I learned a lot from Brandon, and now it’s my time to step up and show that I can be a starter in this offense and help my team in any way I can,” Powdrell said.

Havili amassed more than 2,500 all-purpose yards last season at Cottonwood High in Salt Lake City. He said he would be ready if called upon.

“Hancock was a great mentor; he helped me from day one with all the routes, and he has taught me well,” Havili said.

*

Defensive end Lawrence Jackson, who has sat out nearly every practice because of a groin strain, said he would practice today. “I did some drills to put stress on it and really didn’t feel any pain,” Jackson said. “I’m ready to at least get out there and do some stuff on it.” ... Center Travis Draper (back) also is expected to return today, Carroll said.