COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : USC : Walters’ Power Impresses Robinson

USC Coach John Robinson says his sophomore tailback, Shawn Walters, is on his way to becoming a Barry Foster or Jerome Bettis-type power back.

He certainly looked like it Saturday against Baylor, crashing off of or, in some cases, crashing over would-be tacklers on his way to a 207-yard night in a 37-27 victory.

Robinson and his running backs coach, Charles White, have turned Walters from a back who viewed himself as a breakaway, run-to-daylight type to a power runner. And at 6 feet and 225 pounds, Robinson says Walters has room to grow.

“He’s just now starting to seriously lift weights,” Robinson said. “I think in a couple of years he can carry 240 pounds.

“He really did a nice job Saturday. He’s reached the point where he now bursts into the secondary and hunts himself up a defensive back he can hurt.”

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USC had no news regarding the status of tailback Delon Washington, who on Friday was benched because of questions regarding his eligibility.

A USC spokesman said Washington’s status was “day to day,” and Robinson said he was hopeful of a quick resolution.

The university, citing state and federal privacy laws, said it couldn’t discuss the matter.