COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : USC : Robinson Faces Two Gaping Holes

With high expectations despite two gaping holes in his offensive line, Coach John Robinson opens USC football practice Friday.

The Trojans, who open at the Coliseum against San Jose State on Sept. 9, have 13 starters returning, plus John Stonehouse, one of the nation’s best punters, from last season’s 8-3-1 team.

Robinson, launching the third season of his second term at USC, knew he’d have to replace standout senior offensive tackle, Tony Boselli, but left guard Chris Brymer, a sophomore, must now also be replaced.

Brymer, a fast-developing 300-pounder, became academically ineligible last spring.

Depth in the offensive line--and virtually everywhere else on his team--will allow the Trojans to surmount such difficulties, Robinson indicated.

“We’ve got Kyle Ramsay, Clay Hattabaugh, John Michels, Norberto Garrido, Phalen Pounds, Robert Loya and Jeremy Hogue up there [in the offensive line]--we’ll figure something out,” he said.

“But losing Brymer is disappointing. He’s a wonderful football player, a natural player.”

Easily the most-watched position battle will be at quarterback, where 6-foot-6 junior Brad Otton and 6-5 senior Kyle Wachholtz will vie to succeed Rob Johnson, now in the NFL at Jacksonville, with Boselli.

Otton capably took over last year while Johnson recovered from an ankle sprain. The cannon-armed Wachholtz was academically ineligible a year ago.

Practice begins with the Trojans awaiting with some anxiety the results of a Pac-10 investigation that could result in penalties against All-American wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson.

Johnson was accused earlier this month of accepting money from a sports agent.

Robinson also welcomes a banner freshman recruiting class, led by prep standouts Daylon McCutcheon, a cornerback, and quarterbacks John Fox and Quincy Woods.

The newcomers have worked out this week. Returnees join them Friday.