COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : USC : Michels Makes Most of Chance

John Michels, the fifth-year senior who started his first game in Saturday’s 45-7 victory over San Jose State, got a “solid” grade Monday from his position coach, Mike Barry.

As a Trojan, Michels had been stuck behind two NFL first-round draft choices, first Willie McGinest and then Tony Boselli. Saturday, Michels played well at Boselli’s old spot, left offensive tackle.

Barry said only center Jeremy Hogue got a higher grade among the offensive linemen.

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Some Trojan followers were still surprised about junior running back Shawn Walters being dropped to the second team. Walters has led the team in rushing two consecutive years, netting 976 yards last season.

But Leonard Green, a senior who limped through last season with a hamstring tear, started Saturday and gained 49 yards in 12 carries, with a long gain of 21.

Coach John Robinson and offensive coordinator Mike Riley indicated that Green, a breakaway runner, was being rewarded for an outstanding training camp.

Walters, a power runner, gained 26 yards in eight carries and scored twice from a yard out. He also failed to score from the one late in the second quarter.