CLASS ACTION

Even in the midst of August workouts, in the heat and humidity, Lawrence Larry catches himself shivering now and again.

It’s an understandable symptom for the senior USC defensive end.

“You get goose bumps when you realize this is your last training camp,” Larry said. “This is my last time being a USC football player.”

With the Trojans opening practice at UC Irvine this week, the former Littlerock High star is one of two projected starters from the region. The other is his roommate, Billy Miller, a receiver from Westlake High.

They have talked about how it feels to be near the end of their college careers.

“It’s so weird,” Miller said. “It seems like a minute ago we were freshmen.”

Miller has had a roller coaster ride at USC. A Parade All-American in high school, he suffered through a dismal sophomore season and, at this time last year, wasn’t enjoying football.

“When you’re worried, you can’t have fun,” he said. “You can’t joke with the guys, can’t talk a little smack to the [defensive backs].”

But Miller rebounded last season to rank fifth among Pacific 10 Conference receivers in receptions.

His enjoyment level has risen accordingly, as evidenced in practice this week when he streaked up the sideline, fighting his way past two defenders before reaching out to snag a long pass. The split end broke out in laughter, high-stepping his way into the end zone.

“This year, I’m relaxed,” Miller said. “I know I have the ability to do it.”

Another teammate and roommate, Marvin Powell III, is hoping to prove likewise this fall. The former Birmingham player enters his senior season as one of several contenders for a starting spot at fullback.

The region’s other senior is David Pratchard, a reserve offensive lineman from Canyon. They find themselves on a squad that must rebuild from a disappointing 6-5 season in 1997, meaning new Coach Paul Hackett will be keeping an eye on younger players.

“I think we have to take the bigger picture,” Hackett said. “I want to build the foundation.”

The Trojans have a number of underclassmen from the region:

* Ted Iacenda, a redshirt sophomore from Hart, is battling Powell and projected starter Brennan Ochs at fullback. Iacenda started four games in 1997 but dislocated his shoulder and missed spring practice while recovering from surgery.

* Redshirt sophomore Ennis Davis, a former Reseda defensive tackle, played in all 11 games in 1997 and is listed No. 2 on the depth chart.

* Ryan Nielsen, a Prep Star All-American at Royal, is a redshirt freshman expected to get playing time as a backup to Larry.

“I’m a year older, a year smarter,” he said. Also a year bigger, having bulked up to 253 pounds.

* Bobby DeMars, a redshirt freshman from Westlake, starts the season behind Larry and Nielsen.

* Redshirt sophomores Troy Garner, from Notre Dame High, and Kevin McLaughlin, from Hart, will have to fight their way up the depth chart at receiver.

There are also three freshmen from the region on the team.

Miguel Fletcher from Alemany could find himself lost in the crowd at tailback, but former Agoura lineman Derek Graf and former Oxnard fullback Chad Pierson might have a shot at playing time.

As those players begin their careers at USC, Larry is trying not to become too sentimental about the end of his.

“I try to block it out,” he said. “Same as last year. Same work ethic. Just one more chance to do it right.”