USC’s Neil Hope Signs Contract With Express

Neil Hope, who led USC in tackles this year, has signed a contract with the Los Angeles Express, the United States Football League club announced Monday.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker from Memphis, Tenn., is scheduled to undergo a physical examination this morning and begin practicing with the team this afternoon.

Hope, who registered 144 tackles during his senior year for the 1985 Rose Bowl champions, was one of 25 territorial draft choices of the Express Jan. 3.