McCutcheon Impresses as USC Begins Practice

Coach John Robinson launched USC’s highly anticipated 1995 season with three workouts Friday.

Defensive coordinator Keith Burns said two young players caught his eye, freshman cornerback Daylon McCutcheon and sophomore safety Grant Pearsall.

McCutcheon, perhaps the Trojans’ top recruit, had an impressive first day. In freshman-only drills earlier, he intercepted the first two balls thrown near him.

Pearsall, who weighed 168 pounds when he arrived at USC a year ago, is now 205 and already ringing bells at Howard Jones Field. Of Pearsall’s first practice, Burns said: “That’s the best practice Grant has had since he’s been at SC.”

Other first-day highlights:

--Defensive tackle Matt Keneley, stuffing a blocker and wrapping up tailback Delon Washington with a jarring tackle at the line of scrimmage.

--A crashing collision between safety Sammy Knight and ball carrier Shawn Walters. Walters blinked, lost half a step, but stayed on his feet and kept going upfield.

--A couple of open-field tackles by cornerback Brian Kelly, prompting Burns to say: “I love the way Brian lines up for a play. He has a certain air about him, like he’s saying: ‘Sorry, this portion of the field is closed.’ ”

--Some acrobatic catches by All-American Keyshawn Johnson and sophomore wide receiver Larry Parker.

The Trojans also had injuries:

--Tony Boselli’s replacement at left offensive tackle, John Michels, pulled a hamstring and is day-to-day.

--Kick returner/wide receiver Anthony Volsan dislocated a finger and is out two to three days.

--Backup center Robert Loya had arthroscopic surgery Friday for a knee cartilage injury incurred Thursday during an impromptu wrestling match with a teammate. He’s out four to six weeks.

USC will hold three practices today, take Sunday off and continue with two-a-days next week.