Transfers Making Impact

Most of the buzz about USC’s heralded recruiting class focused on high school players.

But two junior college transfers, cornerback Will Poole and offensive lineman John Drake, have worked themselves into the Trojans’ plans during training camp.

Poole, a transfer from Ventura College who has one year of eligibility, worked with the first unit on the left side for much of Sunday night’s practice as Kevin Arbet rested his foot. Poole batted down a pass on a blitz and broke up a play that led to an interception.

The day before, Poole returned from groin and hamstring injuries and played well in a scrimmage.

“It was the first time we saw him at full speed and he was all over the place,” Coach Pete Carroll said Sunday.

Drake, listed at 6 feet 4, 350 pounds, is a junior offensive lineman from Long Beach City College who could be the first player off the bench if a guard needs relief.

Center Ryan Kalil, guard Sam Baker and tackle Drew Radovich have taken more repetitions with the first team offense because of injuries, but Drake is ahead of the three freshmen, Coach Pete Carroll said.

“His couple years of junior college and the coaching that he got has really benefited us,” Carroll said. “He’s further along understanding concepts, principles and calls and things like that.”

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Freshman defensive end Chris Barrett rejoined practice after missing Saturday’s scrimmage, without informing coaches, to do some soul searching.

“I was real frustrated -- I had a lot of things going through my head, building up and building up,” he said. “I did the wrong thing, but I did the right thing by coming back.”

“He had a couple of things to weigh out. Everything is fine,” said Ed Orgeron, the Trojans’ defensive line coach.

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Fullback Brandon Hancock was on crutches and his right ankle was in a boot Sunday for what Carroll described as a high ankle sprain suffered during Saturday’s scrimmage. Hancock said he will have X-rays today.

“We were doing goal-line drills and I had my foot planted, and I think one of the lineman rolled down on it,” Hancock said.

Carroll said Lee Webb would start against Auburn if Hancock was not ready.

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Center Norm Katnik (knee) said he would have an MRI exam today.... Freshman defensive end Manuel Wright returned to drills for the first time since injuring his foot on the first day of practice.... The Trojans began practice near sunset Sunday to acclimate themselves to the kind of light they might play in for part of the Aug. 30 opener at Auburn. ... Freshman receiver/fullback Whitney Lewis (knee) is still expected to be out a few days