Byrd Is Enjoying New Role

Sunny Byrd expects to play a lot against Arizona State on Saturday, though his role will be markedly different than it was last season against the Sun Devils.

That’s fine with Byrd, a 24-year old fullback and special teams player.

Byrd became the injury-depleted Trojans’ tailback last season after Sultan McCullough suffered a strained abdominal muscle late in the first quarter against Arizona State at the Coliseum.

Byrd scored on a three-yard touchdown run in the first carry of his career. He finished with 63 yards in 20 carries as the Trojans ended a four-game losing streak with a 48-17 victory.

Byrd started the Trojans’ final six games and finished the season with 336 yards and four touchdowns in 123 carries.

But with McCullough and Malaefou MacKenzie healthy and Justin Fargas and Hershel Dennis also on the roster, Byrd returned to fullback this season. He has not carried the ball, but caught two passes for 15 yards.

“We’re winning and connected -- that’s more important than playing a lot,” Byrd said. “I’m on all the special teams so I’m out there quite a bit. Every time we score, which lately has been a lot, I go right back out there on kickoff coverage and get to hit someone.”

*

Freshman cornerback Justin Wyatt played almost the entire second half of the season opener against Auburn when starter Ronald Nunn suffered a bruised hip.

Wyatt’s role has been limited since, but that will change on Saturday when he becomes the first cornerback off the bench.

“I just want to make sure I’m where I’m supposed to be,” Wyatt said.

Redshirt freshman William Buchanon, who started three games before he was supplanted by junior Marcell Allmond, did not practice all week because of a neck strain and is listed as doubtful.

*

Wide receiver Mike Williams, who sprained his left ankle against Stanford, will play against Arizona State.... Coach Pete Carroll said he was unsure if freshman lineman Fred Matua would play on Saturday. “He’s on the verge of being ready,” Carroll said. “If everybody else looks healthy and it looks like we can make it through, we won’t do it.” ... Offensive lineman Lenny Vandermade had surgery for a torn tendon in his right biceps and redshirt linebacker Lofa Tatupu had arthroscopic knee surgery Wednesday. Carroll said Tatupu had the procedure so that he would be ready for practices that will precede a bowl game.... Tim Salmon and Brad Fullmer of the Angels, Robert Horry of the Lakers, Pete Vagenas of the Galaxy and Lisa Leslie of the Sparks will take part in a halftime ceremony honoring Los Angeles’ championship teams.