Harris’ Injury Gives Team a Scare

USC had a worrisome moment in practice Wednesday when starting tight end Antoine Harris was taken off the field in a neck brace.

Harris was lined up for a drill when a defender jumped offside and struck him at an odd angle. He laid on the turf for several minutes complaining of neck pain before being taken away in a cart.

The senior said he was OK and initial X-rays were negative. He may undergo further tests. His status for the game against Arizona on Saturday was uncertain.

“Any time you have anything with the head, you want to be extra careful,” Coach Paul Hackett said.

The Trojans are already thin at tight end after the loss of Gregg Guenther Jr., who is expected to redshirt after undergoing back surgery.

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Receiver Marcell Allmond said he learned his lesson after being told he will not start against Arizona. He is being disciplined because he threw a tantrum on the sideline during the Oregon State game.

“I did something that I know I shouldn’t have done,” he said. “I hate not starting so I’m definitely never going to do that again.”

The sophomore has practiced with the team this week and is expected to play much of the game.

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Freshman John Wall has been taking more field-goal attempts in practice this week.

On Wednesday, Hackett called him out for an extra try after two misses by David Newbury, who has missed numerous attempts in recent games. Still, Hackett insisted Newbury is in no danger of losing his job because Wall is still learning to kick without the tee that high school kickers use.

“That’s a function of time,” Hackett said. “It’s about a year transition.”