COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : ROSE BOWL : Michels Finally Found Spot With USC

USC’s John Michels, a 6-7, 285-pound fifth-year senior, completes an astonishing season in the Rose Bowl.

For two years, on defense, he played behind Willie McGinest. Frustrated, he moved to offense--and last year played behind another star, Tony Boselli.

In training camp last summer, left offensive tackle was the biggest question mark of Coach John Robinson’s 22 starting positions. But Michels became an all-Pac-10 first teamer and is projected as a high NFL draft pick.

“I knew I had the potential to be a good player, it just took me several years to figure out where I belonged,” he said. “And I set high goals for myself this year. I didn’t want to just have ‘a fine season.’ ”

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USC’s final practice Saturday was a 2-hour, 15-minute drill, concluded again by wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson returning kickoffs. Johnson, who hasn’t returned any kicks in his two USC seasons, also returned kicks Thursday.