Freshman Tackle Works With Starters

Travis Claridge, the prize catch of Coach John Robinson’s freshman recruiting class, is beginning to look like a starter for USC’s Aug. 25 opening game against Penn State. The coaches are noncommittal, but the 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive tackle from Fort Vancouver, Wash., has been working with the starting group in recent practices.

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Middle linebacker Taso Papadakis, finally listed as a starter after years of injuries, is having an outstanding preseason camp. He acknowledges that the presence of prize recruit Chris Claiborne is the reason.

“I love the fact Chris is here,” Papadakis said.

“This wouldn’t be SC if they didn’t have at least two great players at the same position. I don’t want the job handed to me, I want to earn it. And I will. Chris is fast, tough and smart and he’s making me a better player.

“But I hope he understands this is my year, and it’s my job. Besides, there will be lots of times when we’re both in there at the same time.”