Emanuel Impresses Tollner in USC Scrimmage

USC Coach Ted Tollner said that Saturday’s first scrimmage at Howard Jones Field was standard for this time of the year--sloppy at times--but he was pleased with several aspects of the 75-play workout.

The highlights:

--Tailback Aaron Emanuel disappeared into a pile in a goal-line drill but emerged to score a four-yard touchdown.

“Sam Anno and Rex Moore (veteran linebackers) each had a shot at him, but he spun out and scored,” Tollner said. “Aaron is stronger and healthier now since he has been here.”

Emanuel hasn’t missed a practice after an injury-marred freshman season in 1985 that carried over to a limited spring practice.

--Quarterback Rodney Peete, making a comeback from a torn Achilles’ tendon, wasn’t allowed to do what he does best--scramble--due to quick, play-ending whistles. But he was hit solidly on a quarterback draw and wasn’t fazed by it.

Tollner said he probably wouldn’t decide until after next Thursday’s scrimmage whether Peete or junior Kevin McLean will start against Illinois Sept. 13, but Peete apparently is the No. 1 quarterback.

Emanuel and Ryan Knight, who is seemingly quicker than he was last season, are splitting time at tailback, and Tollner said he’ll decide next week who will be the starter in the opener, although both will play extensively.

--USC has a group of no-name wide receivers who make up for a lack of speed with good hands and tight patterns or, at least, they did Saturday.

“They’ve made tremendous strides of improvement,” Tollner said.

Ken Henry led the way with 4 catches for 95 yards, followed by Erik Affholter (4 for 79), Lonnie White (4 for 56) and John Jackson (3 for 37 and a 14-yard touchdown).

The only serious injury was incurred by freshman outside linebacker Charles Burnham from Long Beach Jordan High. He suffered torn ligaments in his left knee and is out for the season.

Saturday’s scrimmage marked the end of two-a-day drills. The Trojans will take today off, work out Monday morning and then settle into afternoon practices when school starts Tuesday.