USC’s Morton Says He Has Decided to Forgo Draft and Stay in School

Johnnie Morton, a starting wide receiver for most of his three years at USC, said he will return to school next season instead of declaring himself eligible for the NFL draft.

Morton, who played at South Torrance High, said Saturday that he made the decision after consulting with family on Friday, the day it was announced that Larry Smith would not return as head coach.

Morton’s decision gives the team a boost after the apparent forced resignation of Smith and the earlier announcement that standout flanker Curtis Conway would make himself available for the draft. The team also is awaiting the decision of junior linebacker Willie McGinest, who some close to the program think will stay.

Morton said the coaching change is not the reason he is staying. Morton has been a strong supporter of Smith.

“It was a combination of things,” he said. “Obviously, it will increase my stock.”

One reason he stayed was because USC coaches agreed to allow him to train with the Trojan sprinting coaches this spring.

“I’ve been wanting to run track for a while, but our coaches always wanted me to stay with football spring drills,” he said. “If I can increase my speed, I can increase my stock.”

Morton said he might compete in the 100- and 200-meter dashes for the Trojan track and field team. Mostly, however, he wants to train with coaches Dan Daniels, Jim Bush and Barbara Edmonson until football practice begins next August.

Morton also said he is excited about the prospects of graduating. He said will need two courses next fall to earn a degree in communications.

“It’s ideal because there won’t be too much school pressure next season,” he said.

After his football career is over, Morton said he hopes to get into the entertainment industry, working as an actor, broadcaster and eventually in television production.

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Bob Cope, a defensive backs coach, is expected to leave USC for a position at Baylor. A Baylor spokesman would not confirm the hiring, but said he expected an announcement to be made by Monday.