Senior Bowl Sends Invitation to Fargas

Running back Justin Fargas received an invitation Tuesday to participate in the Senior Bowl all-star game, an indication that the fifth-year senior’s recent performances have caught the attention of NFL scouts.

The Senior Bowl, which will be played Jan. 18 in Mobile, Ala., annually attracts NFL scouts, coaches and general managers.

“I don’t want to make a big deal about it because there are more important things at hand,” Fargas said. “We have two more games and a bowl game.

“I’m glad to be in a position to earn the chance.”

Fargas sat out the 1999 season at Michigan because of injury and missed last season because of NCAA transfer rules. He was No. 1 on the depth chart at tailback coming out of spring practice but was slowed during fall training camp because of a hamstring strain.

He made his first start against Oregon on Oct. 26 and rushed for a career-best 139 yards against the Ducks. He gained 125 yards last week against Arizona State and enters Saturday’s game against No. 25 UCLA with 432 yards and four touchdowns in 105 carries.

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USC has taken extra security measures this week to prevent unwanted visitors from viewing practice, but USC Coach Pete Carroll made light of the situation before the workout began when he directed players to look toward the roof of a 10-story building near Howard Jones Field.

A member of USC’s equipment staff appeared to be wrestling with an intruder on the rooftop. Moments later, what turned out to be a stuffed figure wearing a blue and yellow T-shirt fell to a ledge below.

“I think we got it on film. I’m anxious to see what happened,” Carroll said. “This is a great week and this is fantastic to be part of this whole thing. We want to have as much fun with it as we can and work really hard.”

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Receiver Mike Williams said he received treatment for his sore left quadriceps and that he would be ready for Saturday’s game.