Eyes of Texas Will Be on Denmon

The matchup with Texas Christian in the Sun Bowl might not have much appeal for everyone. But USC center Eric Denmon, a sophomore from Texas, is excited.

He’ll be going against three good friends and former teammates from Carter High in Dallas, a team that went 28-6 in Denmon’s three seasons.

“I can’t wait to get down there with my camera and take some pictures,” Denmon said. “Our parents are going to drive down [to El Paso] together, probably in a caravan. They can’t wait to see their little boys play, just like old times going to Carter games. They used to sit together in the stands.”

TCU linebacker Theodore Anderson, linebacker Terrance Maiden and receiver Tim Maiden, who are twins, are all buddies from way back.

“Adelle Turner Elementary, W.H. Atwell Middle School, Dallas Carter High. We’ve known each other a long time,” Denmon said.

“I called the twins up last week and talked a little noise with my boys, nothing major,” said Denmon, who shares time with Matt McShane at center and said his buddies play backup roles. “I asked whether they were ready and told them they better get ready.

“Yeah, everyone wants to beat ‘SC. They didn’t have a very good record, but that would make their year if they beat ‘SC. I didn’t see them play this year, but just recently I’ve seen them on film. Their football skills have matured a whole lot.”

Prentice Hill, a senior cornerback for USC, also went to Dallas Carter High. Senior linebacker Mark Cusano is the only other Texan on the team.

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Even with more key players on the field Saturday, Coach Paul Hackett is frustrated with USC’s progress, saying the Trojans look more like they’re in spring practice than preparing for a bowl game.

“We’re not even as crisp as we were last spring,” he said. “We’ve got a long way to go. We are a distracted team. You name it, long season, tired, finals, not practicing for six days.

“We have a lack of focus. Sloppiness. No crispness, no tempo. We’re not really throwing ourselves into it.”

One solution is more first-team offense against first-team defense, and Hackett said USC will practice hard starting Monday after exams end.

“We’ve got to get some resiliency, get going,” he said. “We’re a different football team from the team that finished the Notre Dame game.”

Next Up for USC

What: Sun Bowl TCU (6-5) vs. USC (8-4)

Where: El Paso

When: Dec. 31

TV: Channel 2

Radio: XTRA (690)