With Rucker Out, Cody Moves to End

Most of the attention during USC’s spring practice has been focused on an offensive line that will feature four new starters.

But the defensive line also is undergoing change.

On Friday, junior end Frostee Rucker did not practice because of a nagging toe injury that was sustained during the Rose Bowl and was aggravated Thursday. Rucker is scheduled to see a specialist Monday and could sit out the rest of spring practice, which concludes April 10.

With Rucker out, senior Shaun Cody, an All-Pacific 10 Conference tackle last season, spent the workout at end.

“I’m trying to knock some rust off,” said the 6-foot-4, 285-pound Cody, who last played the position during the start of his freshman season in 2001. “It’s a lot farther to the quarterback.

“Being inside [at tackle], it’s a quick move and you’re there. Outside, it’s three or four steps, make a move, and then three or four steps. I’ve got to maybe drop some weight and pick up some speed.”

Defensive line coach Ed Orgeron said moving Cody to end is a possibility if sophomore Manuel Wright can play consistently well at tackle.

“It’s just a matter of seeing where we have our best four players,” Orgeron said. “Cody will look good wherever you put him. He can play anywhere. That’s never been a question.”

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Freshman receiver Fred Davis returned to practice after missing Thursday’s workout because of a late return from his home in Toledo, Ohio.

Davis, who graduated from high school early to enroll at USC this spring, said he was delayed because his mother was not feeling well.

Nevertheless, Davis spent part of the morning running, rolling and crawling on the turf at Howard Jones Field. Usually, the day-after staple for players who violate a team rule or are absent without permission is served during practice.

“He had do to it early,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “He can’t afford to miss anything.”

Asked if had been difficult to be so far from home, Davis, 18, said, “Not really. You get used to it. I’m not a homebody anyway.”

Davis also said he learned his lesson.

“Just make sure you be there and be in contact to let them know where you’re at,” he said.

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Carroll said the football program would not be involved in any appeal of the school suspension being served by offensive lineman Winston Justice. “I don’t think there’s any role for us be involved -- there’s no position for us to be as far as I know,” Carroll said. “We would if it fit. But it hasn’t been a process that we’ve been involved with at all.” ... Former Nebraska coach Frank Solich attended coaches meetings and practice. Solich said he has also visited Oklahoma and plans to make stops at Wisconsin and two other college programs. “It’s great to get around and see how other people do things,” said Solich, who oversaw Nebraska practices at USC before the 2002 Rose Bowl game against Miami. “I’m enjoying studying the [USC] passing game and the organization here in general.” ... Tailback Reggie Bush did not practice because of a groin problem but said he would practice Sunday in a closed team session at the Coliseum.