Eligibility Questions Arise

One or more returning starters who did not participate in spring practice because of academic issues might not be eligible for the upcoming season, USC football Coach Pete Carroll acknowledged Friday.

Running back LenDale White, tight end Dominique Byrd and defensive linemen Frostee Rucker and Manuel Wright were listed at or near the bottom of their position lists on the end-of-spring depth chart.

“It’s going to be a challenge to get all the guys back,” Carroll said.

Wright, a 6-foot-6, 290-pound junior, said that he contacted the NFL about entering the supplemental draft, but added that it would be “the last option” if he is academically ineligible. Wright meets NFL requirements because he has been out of high school for three years. He attended Long Beach City College in 2002 but did not play football.

“I’m studying, putting in a lot of work, so it’s not like I’m not going to give it a good run or not going to try,” said Wright, who was expected to help fill the void left by the departure of All-American tackles Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson. “I could be lazy, and just be like, ‘Forget it, and go home. I’m going to the draft and call it a day.’ But, obviously, I want to play here.”

Wright’s father, Terence, said his son could redshirt at USC or possibly transfer to a Division II school to continue playing without interruption if he were ineligible. “But his priority, and our family’s priority, is for him to stay at USC,” Terence Wright said in a phone interview.

White, a junior who led the Trojans in rushing yardage the last two seasons, said he has been attending classes regularly and was not worried about where he was listed.

“It makes it better for me -- it makes me hungry,” he said. “You watch. I’ll be starting.”

Byrd, a senior, suffered a broken jaw a few weeks ago when flanker Steve Smith punched him during a fight over money Smith owed Byrd.

Rucker, a senior, had toe surgery after the Orange Bowl.

Offensive lineman Winston Justice, a two-year starter who missed last season because of a suspension, regained his starting spot at right tackle.

“I wasn’t really expecting anything, I was just going to come out and play the best that I can and whatever happened, happened,” Justice said. “I’m very grateful that Pete Carroll gave me this opportunity.”

Senior fullback David Kirtman, sophomore nose tackle Sedrick Ellis, senior free safety Scott Ware and sophomore cornerback Terrell Thomas also ascended to the top at their positions. The competition at middle linebacker will continue into fall. Junior Oscar Lua, senior Ryan Powdrell and sophomore Thomas Williams will try to hold off incoming freshmen Luthur Brown and Rey Maualuga.