USC Opens Practice Today to Prepare for Aug. 29 Opener

USC, opening its second John Robinson era, begins practice today in preparation for its Aug. 29 opener against North Carolina at Anaheim Stadium.

Robinson, hired on Jan. 3 to replace Larry Smith, will greet 12 newcomers at Howard Jones Field. They will work out today, Thursday and Friday before the entire team gathers at UC Irvine for its Aug. 9-21 training camp.

Three notable USC recruits will not work out today:

--Saladin McCullough, a running back from Pasadena Muir High, cannot report until a review of his challenged SAT score is resolved.

--Treyvone Towns, a linebacker from Pasadena High, did not qualify academically.

--Jesse Davis, a cornerback from Mt. San Antonio College, is completing junior college courses.

USC was 6-5-1 last season, finishing with a 24-7 loss to Fresno State in the Freedom Bowl at Anaheim. Seventeen starters return from Smith’s last team.