Claridge Gives Coaches a Scare

USC, which has had a relatively injury-free training camp, looked as if it might have had its first major injury Monday morning when prized freshman offensive tackle Travis Claridge had to be helped off the field because of an ankle injury.

The 6-foot-6, 290-pound Claridge was taken off on a golf cart and sent for X-rays. Result: A minor sprain.

Tailback Delon Washington, recovering from a pulled hamstring, participated in both practices Monday.

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Expectations for USC’s defense are high this season and defensive coordinator Keith Burns said his first unit passed its first test Saturday night in a full-dress scrimmage. “I was impressed with how all our guys came off the ball so quickly, particularly the defensive line--Matt Keneley, Darrell Russell, Willie Lowery and George Perry,” Burns said.