Quarterback Situation Remains Unsettled

USC is scheduled to release its depth chart today, but Coach Pete Carroll said Thursday that the quarterback position remains unresolved because none of the four contenders has separated from the others.

“It hasn’t taken shape yet to make a declaration of which way is the best way to go,” Carroll said after watching numerous interceptions and mishandled snaps during competitive drills.

Before spring practice began, and through the first few workouts, Carroll maintained that a replacement for Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer would be identified by the end of the Trojans’ 15 workouts.

Redshirt sophomore Matt Cassel, junior transfer Brandon Hance and redshirt freshmen Matt Leinart and Billy Hart all have had shining moments.

But all have struggled.

On Thursday, Cassel, Leinart and Hance had passes intercepted.

Hart avoided that fate, but was limited to the fewest repetitions.

“We just turned it over at an alarming rate,” Carroll said.

The Trojans will practice without pads today and conclude on Saturday with a scrimmage at the Coliseum.

Carroll said performances during the scrimmage would be added to the evaluation process that could extend into next week and possibly beyond.

“Maybe when we’re done, the week after, we’ll make a decision,” he said.

Carroll added that he was not worried.

“We don’t have to make a decision yet,” he said.

“I would have liked to, but it isn’t clear. So we’re just going to sit back and take a look.”