Ohalete Might Be Done Playing

Safety Ifeanyi Ohalete confirmed Thursday he has a stress fracture in his right foot and is probably out for the season.

“I’m looking at it like I could have played my last game,” the senior said.

The foot began to hurt against Oregon State last month. Ohalete played through the pain for another week but has not started the last two games.

“Honestly, it’s really going to hurt the team,” said DeShaun Hill, who replaces him at free safety. “We need his senior leadership out there.”

Cornerback Kris Richard now represents the only veteran in an inexperienced secondary that will also be without injured Darrell Rideaux (ankle). “It’s a baptism by fire,” Coach Paul Hackett said.

A two-year starter, Ohalete tied for first in forced fumbles and fumbles recovered in the Pacific 10 Conference last season. He hopes to be healthy for the NFL combine in spring, or even a final college game in late December.

“I’m hoping we get on a roll and get to a bowl game,” he said. “I could make it back for a bowl game.”

Because Ohalete was also the holder on field goals and extra points, the Trojans were scrambling to find a replacement. The job will go to quarterback Mike Van Raaphorst or receiver Matt Nickels. Special teams coach Dan Ferrigno said he will decide after they practice holding this afternoon.

“It’s just catch the ball and put it down,” Van Raaphorst said. “If you think about it, you’re in trouble.”

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The Nov. 4 game at Arizona State will be telecast at 6 p.m. on Fox Sports Net.