MacKenzie Gets the Nod

Sultan McCullough appears recovered from a hamstring injury and Justin Fargas is making progress in his comeback from the same, but Trojan Coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday that sixth-year senior Malaefou MacKenzie will start at tailback in the opener against Auburn on Monday.

“We didn’t know who the top guy was coming in and we still don’t,” Carroll said. “Malaefou will start the game unless something changes and that gives us great experience and leadership.”

MacKenzie suffered numerous injuries during his career and was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA after he missed last season because of two knee sprains and the death of his father.

“I’m excited, but it really doesn’t matter who starts because we’re all going to rotate in,” said MacKenzie, who has started four games. “It’s kind of ironic that I’m the only one healthy. It’s been weird.”

MacKenzie and McCullough, the team’s leading rusher the last two seasons, will probably play the most against Auburn. Sophomore Darryl Poston and freshman Hershel Dennis also are expected to play, but Fargas’ status remains doubtful.

The senior transfer from Michigan participated in most drills Tuesday for the first time since Aug. 17 when he strained his right hamstring before the team’s first scrimmage.

If Fargas is not completely sound, Carroll said, he will not play against Auburn.

“I’m just trying to get better every day and today was another step,” Fargas said. “It felt better and I’m going to keep working and try to do more tomorrow.”

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Offensive lineman Zach Wilson, who suffered a left foot strain on the first day of training camp, did not return to practice as anticipated and will probably miss the opener, Carroll said.

Fred Matua will start at right guard and become the first true freshman to start an opener on the offensive line since Travis Claridge in 1996. Redshirt sophomore Travis Watkins will back up Matua.

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Junior cornerback Marcell Allmond, cleared for contact drills after recovering from a staph infection, said he is looking forward to hitting today when the Trojans practice in full pads.

“I’m definitely going to come out with a headhunting mentality,” said Allmond, who is challenging senior Darrell Rideaux at right cornerback. “We rotated the corners [Tuesday], which means to me that they don’t know who they want to play yet. That means everybody is in the mix.”