Moreno Is Glad He Stayed

How close did USC linebacker Zeke Moreno come to wearing a San Diego State jersey in Saturday’s game?

“Close enough to call the coach,” said Moreno, a junior from Chula Vista who considered transferring after his freshman year at USC.

Moreno talked to defensive coordinator Claude Gilbert about playing for the Aztecs, but ultimately stayed at USC, becoming a starter the next season when Mark Cusano struggled because of injuries.

“It worked out for the best,” said Moreno, who is looking forward to hanging out with a couple of high school buddies, starting nose tackle Jerome Haywood and reserve tight end Sakimo Randall, after the game. “I met people here, and the homesickness went away. Now I have two homes.”

Moreno calls the signals at middle linebacker for a Trojan defense that has yet to give up a point after one game because Hawaii’s only touchdown came off an interception. The defense is thinking shutout this week too.

“That’s always a goal for us. It’s the goal at the beginning of every week,” Moreno said. “Every defense should go in wanting a shutout.”

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Injury update: Starting cornerback Kris Richard has sat out two days of practice because of a hamstring injury and will play Saturday, but won’t start. Tanqueray Clark is a candidate to replace him, and Eric Reese and Darrell Rideaux, who had a strong practice Thursday after sitting out the first game because of a sore back, will also play. . . . Tailback Malaefou MacKenzie (hamstring) has been formally ruled out, and tailback Frank Strong (bruised knee) is doubtful, as is receiver Steve Stevenson (sprained arch).

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Coach Paul Hackett, a noted music fan, was tickled to hear Aztec players Damon and Daniel Gourdine are the sons of Little Anthony of the Motown group Little Anthony and the Imperials. “ ‘Tears on My Pillow,’ ” Hackett said. “I’ve been listening to it all week. How come we didn’t recruit them?”