Reed’s Role May Expand

Desmond Reed’s multipurpose role for USC continues to expand.

Coach Pete Carroll said Thursday that Reed could return punts on Saturday against Washington State because of an injury suffered by Greig Carlson.

“I would love to get Desmond some chances to catch the ball back there,” Carroll said. “I think he’ll do something real exciting for us.”

Reed, a redshirt freshman, returned four punts and four kickoffs for touchdowns at Temple City High in 2002.

Carlson, who backs up Reggie Bush and usually handles kicks in situations that require a fair catch, suffered a torn knee ligament in practice earlier this week. Carroll said the injury would not require surgery, but Carlson is expected to miss two to three weeks.

Last week against Washington, Reed delivered a crushing block on a punt return by Bush, scored on a 28-yard run and then made the tackle on the ensuing kickoff with a big hit.

“It seems like every week I’m getting a little more playing time,” Reed said. “I just want to keep the momentum going.”

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Reed also could figure in the Trojans’ rushing attack, but junior Hershel Dennis probably will get the first opportunity to alternate with Bush if LenDale White cannot play or is limited.

White, who is nursing a thigh bruise and sore ankle, said he would play.

Carroll, however, told players during a team meeting that this might be the time that Dennis would be called on.

“That was good to hear,” Dennis said. “I know LenDale will play. But he won’t be 100%, so I’ll be ready.”

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The Trojans received a scare near the end of practice when starting cornerback Kevin Arbet and starting free safety Jason Leach collided and fell after leaping for a pass during a drill. Neither player rose immediately after the collision and both were helped off the field and attended to by trainers. Leach said he was fine. Arbet suffered a cut lip.... Former Trojan assistant Kennedy Pola, now the running backs coach for the Cleveland Browns, attended practice.