Udeze Keeps Rucker in His Thoughts, Play

USC defensive end Kenechi Udeze continues to dedicate the first tackle he makes in every game to the late Drean Rucker, an incoming freshman from Moreno Valley Canyon Springs High who drowned last summer.

“Every first play I make, I say to myself, ‘That’s for Drean,’ ” said Udeze, who is second in the Pacific 10 Conference with 10 1/2 sacks. “Even at my house, I still have the booklet from his memorial service on my refrigerator and a little picture of him to keep him in my heart every day.”

With all of the injuries USC’s linebacker corps has had this season, Udeze said he cannot help thinking about Rucker.

Lofa Tatupu missed one game because of a high ankle sprain, Daniel Urquhart is out for the season because of a shoulder injury, and Matt Grootegoed and Melvin Simmons are not playing today against Arizona because of lingering ankle and bone-bruise injuries, respectively.

“From what I heard, [Rucker] was a big, tough, physical kid,” Udeze said. “We really missed out on getting the opportunity not only to get to know him, but to see his talent on the field.

“I want to make sure he’s always remembered.”

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With LaJuan Ramsey out because of a shoulder injury, freshman Manuel Wright is expected to play extensively as part of the rotation at defensive tackle.

Wright, 6 feet 6, reported to training camp out of shape and weighing 345 pounds.

He has slimmed down to 287 pounds.

Wright played four plays against Washington State and deflected a pass.

“I’m ready to play,” he said. “The older guys said, ‘Just wait your turn and when it’s your time to shine, then shine.’ ”

Udeze said Wright was the best pass rusher on the defensive line.

“If he keeps working on techniques and all the fundamentals, he’s going to be something,” Udeze said.

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Redshirt sophomore Frostee Rucker is eager to make his second start at defensive end in place of Omar Nazel, who was scheduled to have season-ending thumb surgery Friday.

Rucker started in Nazel’s place Oct. 25 against Washington and made eight tackles.

“I’m a lot more confident now,” Rucker said. “When I played in the Washington game, I was still iffy.”