USC’s Alex Parsons is ready to step in for O’Dowd

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Alex Parsons arrived at USC in 2006 as a defensive lineman.

Three years later, he is the Trojans’ starting center.

At least for now.

Parsons, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound senior from Irvine, moved into the spot after Kristofer O’Dowd suffered a dislocated right kneecap during Monday night’s scrimmage. O’Dowd, who was scheduled to have further tests on Tuesday, missed four games in 2007 when he suffered the same injury.

Parsons was a reserve defensive tackle in 2006 and then was moved to offensive tackle the next season. In 2008, he started the final 10 games at right guard.

‘I really thought I would start on defense,’ Parsons said today. ‘When I got switched over, it was just a blessing in disguise.’

Parsons has some experience at center. He worked at the position during spring practice while O’Dowd recovered from shoulder surgery.

‘He did a very, very good job there for us when he was in,’ Coach Pete Carroll said. ‘We’re fortunate to have that kind of depth.’

Senior Jeff Byers, who starts at left guard, and freshman John Martinez will back up Parsons.

Parsons lamented the loss of O’Dowd’s experience, but said he was planning to do more than simply fill in.

‘If Kris can’t come back, that’s going to be my spot,’ Parsons said. ‘If he comes back, we’re going to be competing for it.’

-- Gary Klein