Tailback Battle Is On at USC

USC’s football opener against Auburn is five months away, but the competition at tailback between Sultan McCullough and Justin Fargas got a jump-start Saturday with the beginning of spring practice.

“It’s already on,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “Everything they do counts.”

Fargas, who sat out last season as a transfer from Michigan, said he felt butterflies before stepping onto the practice field “almost like I was about to play a game.” McCullough, meanwhile, appeared recovered from abdominal surgery several months ago.

The competition should be equally fierce at cornerback, where converted receiver Marcell Allmond got his first try after returning to the team from a student conduct suspension.

His workout was cut short, however, when he rushed across the street to compete for USC in a track meet.

A number of incoming recruits attended the session, including Banning High defensive tackle Fred Matua, who studied the offensive line.

He said coaches have asked him to switch positions and bring his fiery demeanor to a unit that has struggled in recent seasons.

The Trojans will conduct 15 practices over the next month, with the annual “Trojan Huddle” scrimmage scheduled for 11 a.m. on April 6 at the Coliseum.

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David Wharton