Hance Is Set, Just in Case

Matt Leinart’s left elbow is sore. John David Booty’s right elbow is sore.

So with USC’s top two quarterbacks not throwing passes Sunday, senior Brandon Hance continued his bid to become the first quarterback the Trojans will turn to if Leinart is injured or unexpectedly falters in Saturday’s opener against Virginia Tech.

“I’ve always tried to do the best I could to prepare myself in case a situation like this came up,” said Hance, who has taken repetitions with the first-team offense the last three days.

With limited throwing during practice, Leinart is expected to play through tendinitis that set in during spring practice. Booty’s right forearm went numb Wednesday when he was hit on the elbow. He has not taken part in team passing drills since.

“It hasn’t improved a great deal,” Coach Pete Carroll said.

Hance, 6 feet and 190 pounds, experienced myriad health problems since transferring to USC from Purdue in 2002. He sat out the first few days of training camp because of dehydration and appeared to have fallen behind once again.

But Hance, who played at Woodland Hills Taft High, said he is at full strength for the first time since transferring to USC.

“Now that I’m getting more opportunities, I’m getting better every day,” he said.

*

USC is expected to send Mike Williams’ final summer school grades to the NCAA today or Tuesday with hopes that the NCAA will rule on the school’s request for a progress-toward-degree waiver and reinstatement of Williams’ eligibility a few days after they are received.... Running back Hershel Dennis remains suspended indefinitely for violating team rules.... Carroll said none of his players have been contacted by police in regard to a sexual assault investigation that may involve a member or members of the team.... Carroll said safety Darnell Bing (shoulder) would be ready for the opener.... Sophomore defensive lineman Manuel Wright sat out because of a recurring stomach problem.... Former walk-on tight end Nick Vanderboom was awarded a scholarship.... The Trojans are off today, the first day of fall semester classes.