Many Answers Are Supplied in Spring

Few surprises are expected today when Coach Pete Carroll releases USC’s end-of-spring depth chart.

The two areas of greatest concern when practice began in March -- wide receiver and the offensive line -- produced some clear choices.

Sophomores Steve Smith and Whitney Lewis are expected to be listed No. 1 for receiver spots left open by the departures of Keary Colbert and Mike Williams.

Redshirt freshman Sam Baker and redshirt sophomore Kyle Williams are expected to be listed as starting offensive tackles, replacing Jacob Rogers and the suspended Winston Justice.

Sophomore Fred Matua is the returning starter at right guard and sophomore Ryan Kalil will be listed at center.

The left guard spot is expected to go to Travis Watkins, a fifth-year senior who appears to have held off junior college transfer Alatini Malu. John Drake, who started two games at tackle and five games at guard last season, is rehabilitating a broken right ankle.

Watkins, 6 feet 3 and 305 pounds, worked with the first unit through most of the spring.

“There’s something that happens when you’ve been around for five years -- knowing what to do,” offensive coordinator Norm Chow said after practice on Thursday.

Watkins, who played briefly in seven games last season, said he was ready for the opportunity.

“I was behind some great linemen the last few years and I learned a lot,” Watkins said. “You pick up on everything by watching, observing and practicing.

“It’s becoming a lot more natural now that I’m out there a lot more than I was before.”

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Sophomore tailback LenDale White sat out most of practice because of a groin strain and said he would probably miss the last two workouts. “It’s been bothering me for the last couple of weeks, but today it really got tight,” he said.... Sophomore tailback Reggie Bush returned after missing Tuesday’s workout because of knee soreness.... Punt returner Greig Carlson is not practicing because of a high ankle sprain suffered in Saturday’s scrimmage.... The Trojans broke from their usual script and focused on more team drills Thursday. “I can feel the urgency to get the offensive line as many snaps as we can,” Carroll said.