McKeever Interested in USC Job : Trojans: Former All-American asks to be considered for athletic director’s post.

Marlin McKeever, one of Southern California’s best-known football players from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, has asked USC officials to consider him for the school’s athletic directorship.

McKeever, 53, a USC All-American and 13-year pro with the Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles, said Monday he wrote last week to Steven Sample, USC president, and Pat Haden, a school trustee who is heading a search committee, to apply.

“I thought about it for some time,” McKeever said. “There were some leading candidates, but then, when I heard there were no definite candidates, I decided to let them know I was interested.”

Haden said last week he hoped to give Sample a list of prospects by Friday and believed he would make a decision by Jan. 31.

McKeever was a tight end and middle linebacker who was the Rams’ first draft choice in 1961. He has worked with insurance brokerage firms for much of the last 20 years. In 1974, a year after he retired from the NFL, he lost a bid for a seat in the state Assembly. He ran as a Republican in the 72nd District, which at the time encompassed all of Santa Ana and most of Garden Grove. Democrat Richard Robinson easily won.

McKeever’s only athletic administrative work was with the defunct World Football League in 1974. He served as the league’s director of player relations and was vice president for player administration for the Southern California Sun.

McKeever once said he would have attended law school if not for a vagabond NFL career. He said his plans changed when the Rams traded him to the Vikings in 1967, and he began bouncing around the league--to Washington, back to Los Angeles and finally to Philadelphia.

After being away from athletics for almost 20 years, McKeever said he wanted to return to the Southern California scene.

“I enjoy being part of the Trojan family,” said McKeever, whose twin brother, Mike, also played at USC.

Marlin McKeever, who was an honors student in finance, said he understands today’s climate of collegiate athletics. He stressed graduation rates, compliance with NCAA rules and women’s sports in an interview.

At USC, however, it seems the boosters still expect excellence on the field. Larry Smith resigned under pressure 10 days ago as football coach because the team did not win enough. John Robinson, a Trojan coach 10 years ago, was rehired to turn around the program, although his previous tenure included low graduation rates and sanctions for serious rules violations.

McKeever said he has the kind of rapport with powerful Trojan alumni to push the message that academics are as important as victories over Notre Dame.

“We have to graduate kids, not just use them as athletes,” he said.

McKeever has long been connected with the Trojan family, living in Newport Beach with some of the school’s biggest boosters as neighbors. He said maintaining that identity, heritage and tradition is vital to the school.

“I think Trojan boosters are looking for one of their own (as athletic director),” McKeever said.

He dismissed the notion that he does not have the kind of background--athletic administration--to replace Mike McGee, who is leaving to take a similar position at South Carolina.

“You don’t have to have someone who came up through the ranks,” he said. “What you have to have is someone aware of fiscal responsibility.”

* CANDIDATES: A look at those who could be in line for the Trojans’ opening. C4