Carlson Is Catching On

Receiver Greig Carlson could not haul in a scholarship from USC when he completed his high school career at Palisades High.

But the redshirt freshman’s sure hands caught the eye of the Trojan coaching staff last spring and during training camp, earning the walk-on a long look as the team’s primary punt returner.

On Sunday, as the Trojans went through their game-day routine and played a mock game against the service team at the Coliseum, Carlson handled all of the punts for the first unit without error.

The Trojans lost their most experienced return specialist last week when cornerback Kevin Arbet underwent season-ending foot surgery.

Receiver Kareem Kelly, who averaged 6.4 yards for eight returns last season, is listed first on the depth chart, freshman Justin Wyatt second and Carlson third.

But USC Coach Pete Carroll indicated that Carlson passed Wyatt and might displace Kelly for the Sept. 2 opener against Auburn.

“He’s really a great catcher back there,” Carroll said of Carlson. “I don’t want to decide yet. I’m going to wait through the week on that one. I know Kareem can get back and catch the football and he’s a great threat for us.

“I’m still not clear on which is the guy for me yet.”

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Senior quarterback Carson Palmer and All-American senior safety Troy Polamalu were selected as team captains by Trojan players. Polamalu also was a captain last season.

Palmer said he welcomes the responsibility and is confident that all seniors on the roster will take a leadership role on and off the field.

“There is nothing that coaches should have to do or control on this team,” Palmer said. “With as many leaders as we have, we should be able to take care of it.”

Carroll said a special teams captain and service team captain also will be selected each week.

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Junior cornerbacks Ronald Nunn and Marcell Allmond ran sprints in the end zone and both said they would practice Tuesday.

Nunn, a transfer from San Francisco City College, was the leading candidate to replace Arbet at left cornerback until he strained a hamstring last week. He said he was ready to play Sunday but was held out as a precaution.

Allmond, making the transition from receiver, was impressive during the first two days of training camp, but was hospitalized for five days when stitches in his right knee became infected.

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Freshman Fred Matua, listed first on the depth chart at right guard, did not practice because he was attending the funeral of a family friend....

Senior tailback Justin Fargas remains out because of a hamstring injury and, with a bye week following the game against Auburn, could sit out the opener. “We’ll have to see how he does on Wednesday,” Carroll said. “We don’t need to force him back right now.” ...

Senior linebacker Aaron Graham, recovering from a hip strain, ran sprints but did not participate in the game situations....

Players begin classes today so the Trojans will not practice. They will have a workout with no pads Tuesday and begin preparations for Auburn with a full-scale practice Wednesday.