Strong Might Play Tailback

With the ground game faltering the last few weeks, USC turned to a new plan Tuesday, trying linebacker Frank Strong at tailback in practice.

Strong has played defense since midway through his sophomore season but was a tailback as a freshman and even started against California which is, by coincidence, the Trojans’ opponent Saturday. Coach Pete Carroll, never hesitant to switch players around, had the senior run the ball some last spring.

“I felt all along this would happen,” Carroll said. “This is just the first chance we’ve had to get him some reps.”

The opportunity presented itself in two ways. First, tailback Sultan McCullough remains sidelined because of a strained abdomen and starter Sunny Byrd is hobbled by minor ailments. Second, reserve linebackers Chris Prosser and Lee Webb returned from injury, bringing depth to that position. Also, Strong showed some old moves last Saturday against Oregon State, returning a kick 23 yards.

Byrd is still listed as the starter and no one wanted to commit on how much Strong might play against Cal. “‘Be ready’ is what they told me,” he said. But Carroll held out the possibility of him playing both ways and Strong seemed excited about carrying the ball again.

“At linebacker, there are three of us,” he said. “There’s only one tailback. All eyes are on you.”

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Near the end of practice, Prosser punched walk-on lineman Spencer Torgan. He was quickly banished to the sideline in what Carroll called “a teachable moment.”

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Cornerback Chris Cash sat out practice because of tendinitis in his right knee but expects to be ready Saturday. Offensive tackle Jacob Rogers also said he would return when he is fitted with a brace for his hyperextended elbow.... Reserve cornerback and returner Darrell Rideaux is expected to sit out his second consecutive game because of an ankle injury.