COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : USC : McCullough Kept Waiting for Answer

Since starting tailback Dwight McFadden broke his ankle in USC’s opening game, there has been increased interest in Saladin McCullough, the Trojans’ prize recruit from Pasadena Muir High.

McCullough, who gained 2,142 yards and scored 36 touchdowns for Muir last season, is awaiting resolution of a challenge to a Scholastic Aptitude Test he took last June.

McCullough reportedly scored 1,200 out of a possible 1,600, and some Muir faculty members informed the Educational Testing Service that his score didn’t match his academic performance.

The case was submitted to the American Arbitration Assn., where it remains.

“If we’d known it would take this long to get an answer, Saladin would have enrolled in junior college,” said Michael Harrison, the player’s uncle and guardian.

“We were first told a decision would be made by Aug. 23, then it was Aug. 28 . . . but it’s still dragging on. At this point, I’d just like to get the kid enrolled at SC, get him started in class. At this point, football at SC this season is pretty much out of the picture.”

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Coach John Robinson was impressed with the debut of Norberto Garrido, a sophomore offensive tackle from La Puente. “He can be a great offensive lineman,” Robinson said. “He did very well.

“He won’t be an Anthony Munoz-type of player, because Munoz was an exceptional athlete. Munoz could play basketball. Garrido right now is more like a young Keith Van Horne (a 1980 USC All-American).

“Garrido has problems now with his feet, like Van Horne did, but he played very well against good North Carolina players. He’s a smart player, he played like a veteran.”