Williams Will Start at Receiver

USC receiver Mike Williams worked longer and harder during practice this week preparing for Saturday’s game against Washington.

On Thursday, it became apparent that the No. 19 Trojans will need the freshman from Tampa, Fla., to start in place of injured senior Kareem Kelly and play most of the snaps against the No. 22 Huskies.

Kelly, trying to recover from a sprained right ankle suffered last week against California, took part in limited drills but is still feeling pain. He expects to play, but conceded that Williams deserved the start.

Williams rotated with Kelly during the first six games and caught 28 passes for 434 yards and four touchdowns.

“I end up coming in the second play anyway so it’s just like starting,” Williams said.

After dropping four passes in a loss at Kansas State, Williams is emerging as the Trojans’ main scoring threat.

He caught two touchdown passes against Oregon State, had six receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown against Washington State and caught six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown last week against Cal.

“The K-State game was a pretty good thing,” Williams said.

“I was kind of on a high and I came back down to earth because I had a bad game. I tried to just improve off that.”

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Running back Justin Fargas will return kickoffs against Washington, a move to keep the senior transfer involved following Sultan McCullough’s 39-carry performance against Cal.

Freshman Hershel Dennis angered coaches when he tried to return a kick from deep in the end zone against Cal.

The Trojans were also penalized on the play, resulting in poor field position.

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Junior cornerback Marcell Allmond will make his first start since Sept. 30, 2000 when he played receiver against Oregon State.

Allmond switched to the secondary during spring practice.

He is replacing redshirt freshman William Buchanon, another converted receiver, at left cornerback.

“It’s not pressure -- more excitement,” Allmond said. “I have to just try to control it and hope I don’t go out there overexcited.

“I just have to play the way I’ve been coached.”

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Safety Troy Polamalu participated in nearly every drill and said he was prepared to play, and possibly start, against Washington.... For the second day in a row, kicker Ryan Killeen missed several kicks during competitive drills.... Defensive tackle Shaun Cody said swelling in his right knee is subsiding. He will be examined by a doctor on Saturday and could set a date for surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.