Offensive Linemen Healing

USC’s offensive line was slowed by nagging injuries throughout its preseason camp and into its season-opening blowout win at Auburn. But it is getting healthy, with senior left tackle Jacob Rogers (foot), senior left guard Lenny Vandermade (foot) and senior center Norm Katnik (knee) spending more time on the practice field than in the training room.

And that’s welcome news to redshirt freshman Fred Matua, the No. 4-ranked Trojans’ starting right guard.

“Having them around makes you feel more confident about your game,” said Matua, who missed most of last year with an injured knee. “With them, they help you out with your calls, you don’t have to think so much.

“They do all the things for you because they know the offense, in and out, and as a player you feel like you’re more freelance because

This week’s practices have marked the unit’s most extended work together since the beginning of camp.

“This is a good sign for us,” USC Coach Pete Carroll said. “We challenged our guys hard this week, because we finally had them all together, and we knew they were going to play. They’ve been a big part of this week’s plan.”

Said Matua: “It feels like things are just clicking because they’re there. All the leadership is back, especially with Jacob and Norm.”

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It took sophomore defensive end Frostee Rucker “three or four” hits at Auburn to feel as if he belonged. The transfer from Colorado State, who backs up senior starter Omar Nazel, had not played in a competitive football game in more than two years.

“I was still in a state of shock that I was even in,” Rucker said. “It’s been a long road, a big deal for me to even be on a team. I’ve been a practice all-star for two years and then my number’s called and I finally get to go in.”

Rucker, who attended Tustin High, was converted from linebacker during spring camp.

“I really don’t know too much about the blocking schemes or what [Carroll is] talking about. Half the time I’ve got to ask after so I don’t get yelled at. I’m slowly but surely getting it.... I’m a defensive lineman now. I’m living it now.”

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Freshman strong safety Darnell Bing practiced lightly on his sprained right ankle, and although he said his playing against BYU on Saturday would be a game-time decision, Carroll said he expected Bing to play.... Senior cornerback Kevin Arbet sat out practice but said it was merely to rest.... Freshman tailback LenDale White, listed third on the depth chart, injured his right knee during practice, banging it hard on the grass. “It looks like it’s a bruised knee,” Carroll said.