Offense or Defense? Strong Won’t Say

Frank Strong spent another practice at tailback on Wednesday--with starter Sunny Byrd getting limited work--but Coach Pete Carroll continued to be coy about who will carry the ball against California this weekend.

For now, Carroll is sticking with the lineup issued earlier this week, the one that lists Strong at outside linebacker, where he has played all season. But reserve linebacker Aaron Graham said coaches told him that he should expect to start against Cal.

Graham would play in the middle, which would allow the usual middle linebacker, Mike Pollard, to switch outside to Strong’s position.

The Trojans might need to switch Strong to offense if only because Byrd has been increasingly hampered by injuries. Recently, it has been his routine to wear a yellow jersey--denoting that he is injured--and to practice lightly, saving himself for game day.

Meanwhile, Strong has been trying to juggle offense and defense, attending meetings for both .

But, when asked what position he will play Saturday, the senior played it cool.

“I’m going to start on one side or the other,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens.”

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Cornerback Chris Cash was led off the field Wednesday for an X-ray. Doctors initially told him he was suffering from tendinitis around the knee cap but were checking for more damage. Cash hopes to practice today.

In his absence, safety Antuan Simmons has switched to the corner and reserve defensive back Kevin Arbet has continued to practice without pain since returning from an ankle injury.

Carroll called Arbet’s recovery “really important for us” but said the Trojans will limit him to defense. The junior has played well as a returner this season.

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With the Trojans thin at tailback, some unfamiliar faces might make the trip to Berkeley, including Eric Reese and possibly Miguel Fletcher.... Receiver Grant Mattos and Darryl Poston have been unsuccessful in returning from injuries this week.