Cornerback Nunn Is in Pain but Will Play

USC cornerback Ronald Nunn returned to practice Wednesday and said he would play against Colorado State despite a condition that is causing his face to go numb when he runs.

“It’s painful, but it’s something I can play through,” said Nunn, a senior starter.

Nunn suffered a fractured bone in his right eye socket last season against Washington but did not sit out any games. On Tuesday, however, he sat out practice after experiencing severe pain in his teeth and face during warmups, symptoms he said a doctor told him were related to last year’s injury.

Nunn said he was diagnosed Wednesday with a polyp and a sinus infection.

Nunn is scheduled to have the polyp surgically removed during the off week that follows the Trojans’ Sept. 25 game against Stanford.

*

Senior safety Greg Farr practiced for the first time in two weeks and said he was optimistic that the NCAA and the Pacific 10 Conference would honor his appeal for a year of eligibility.

Farr, who played two seasons at Palomar College, came to USC as a walk-on late in training camp before the 2002 season. He said he participated in a few plays in the second game against Colorado but did not play again that season and was told by coaches that he had been redshirted.

Farr played in a few games in 2003 and was awarded a scholarship last month. However, he was not allowed to travel with the team to the opener against Virginia Tech when USC officials realized Farr had participated in a 2002 game.

Farr credited his parents, especially his mother, Lynne, with spearheading the drive to reinstate his eligibility.

“It didn’t sound like I had much of a chance at first, but she’s been like the little mouse in the turn wheel; she’s been making the process move,” Farr said.

*

USC and the Los Angeles Sports Council are accepting donations for their annual “Touchdown for Youth” program, which will enable about 2,500 disadvantaged youngsters to attend the Trojans’ game Saturday against Colorado State. Each $25 tax-deductible donation goes toward a ticket and refreshments for one child. Details: (213) 482-6345.