Carroll Takes a Look at Sartz in Secondary

USC already features one of the Pacific 10 Conference’s most imposing safeties in Darnell Bing, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound freshman.

But with Bing not practicing again Tuesday because of a high ankle sprain, Coach Pete Carroll took the opportunity to experiment and moved 6-foot-5, 225-pound linebacker Dallas Sartz into the secondary.

“I’m just concerned a little bit about the depth situation,” Carroll said. “We talked about it before and messed with the idea, but we just wanted to see what he looks like.”

Sartz, a sophomore who backs up strongside linebacker Matt Grootegoed, played in the secondary at Granite Bay High. That was before he added 20 pounds of muscle to his frame.

“I did all right today, but it kind of felt awkward at first,” Sartz said. “At safety, you’re kind of back there waiting for something to happen. At linebacker, you’re hitting every play.”

Carroll said Sartz also would continue to take repetitions at linebacker as the fourth-ranked Trojans prepare for Saturday’s game against Hawaii at the Coliseum.

“We’re a little concerned there too,” Carroll said. “But we’re just trying to get as flexible as we can here and cover issues as they come up.”

Bing, who was hurt against Auburn, aggravated the injury against Brigham Young. He said he was uncertain about his status for Saturday’s game.

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A day after Kevin Arbet was declared out for the season because of a broken bone in his foot, Will Poole rotated with Ronald Nunn and William Buchanon at left cornerback.

Poole, who intercepted a pass last week against Brigham Young, will start against Hawaii.

“I’m ready to step up and take the challenge,” Poole said.

Carroll said Buchanon also was ready to play after a productive off-season.

Buchanon, a redshirt sophomore, started three games in 2002. The experience motivated him to improve during the summer.

“As much as I wanted to be out there, I wasn’t as ready as I could have been,” he said. “I feel a lot stronger and faster now. A big part is having more confidence.

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Senior offensive tackle Jacob Rogers limped off the field for X-rays after a teammate rolled up on his right ankle. Rogers, who is already wearing a brace on his strained left foot, said X-rays were negative. He called the injury a mild sprain and said he probably would sit out today.... Arbet said he met with doctors and probably would have surgery in the next week. Arbet must wait until the end of the season to petition for a sixth-year of eligibility.