Robinson Tries Morton at Tailback

Chad Morton, USC’s kick returner, took four snaps at tailback in practice as Coach John Robinson moved to shore up his team’s thin ranks at running back.

Starting tailback Delon Washington’s one-game suspension was extended to three games by the NCAA, a decision USC is appealing. Shawn Walters, accused of taking money from an agent, will not be eligible until the season’s fourth game, against Houston.

Morton, a redshirt freshman and the younger brother of ex-Trojan wide receiver Johnnie Morton, is the smallest (5 feet 8, 180 pounds) and perhaps the fastest Trojan.

Ted Iacenda, a true freshman, also had several carries Monday. Robinson is expected to again start LaVale Woods and Rodney Sermons at Illinois Saturday.

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For what it’s worth: USC is 13-4-3 in games immediately following its 20 season-opening losses.