He’s Finally Catching On

There was a time when Stanley Guyness was a more highly regarded receiver prospect than R. Jay Soward.

Several years later, Guyness may catch his first college pass tonight.

Guyness’ career has been marked by injuries--from a sprained ankle to a broken wrist to torn knee ligaments.

He arrived at USC from Los Alamitos High in 1996, but didn’t appear in his first game for USC until last week.

“All these injuries, I’d never gotten in,” he said. “Then it happened so fast, I didn’t really have time to react. A couple of plays, then back out.”

It might be different tonight, with Windrell Hayes out because of a sprained right ankle. Guyness is expected to play as the No. 5 receiver

“It’s not my decision, but I hope I’m going to get in,” Guyness said. “Catch a pass? I don’t know. I’d be pretty surprised to get that first catch.

“It’s been tough. A lot of people had a lot of expectations for me and have been waiting to see me shine.”

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There hasn’t been any waiting to see freshman Kareem Kelly shine, and he’ll start today, replacing Hayes.

“I’m really excited,” Kelly said. “I had a great game last week and I plan on having an even better game this week. I prepared hard, and kept my head in the playbook. Hopefully, we’ll pull out a victory at Oregon. I hear it can be pretty hostile.”

Coach Paul Hackett believes Kelly’s track experience as a state champion sprinter has helped him adjust to the pressure of college football.

He gets no argument from Kelly.

“Track is like, every man for himself,” Kelly said. “You’re the only guy in your heat, the only guy in your race, and you can’t depend on anyone but yourself.”

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USC linebacker Markus Steele, who had to sit out part of last week’s game because of leg cramps, said he is taking precautions to avoid dehydration this week so he won’t miss any plays, and said his sore left elbow will not bother him.