Van Blarcom Wants to Start on Right Foot

USC took extra time Wednesday to work on all facets of its kicking game, allowing freshman Troy Van Blarcom to display the leg strength that already has earned him a role.

Van Blarcom will handle kickoffs with hopes of following in the footsteps of Ryan Killeen, who aided the Trojan defense by kicking 110 touchbacks in his career and consistently pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Van Blarcom said he must improve.

“I’m looking for a little more hang time,” he said.

Van Blarcom attended Orange Lutheran High but missed his senior season because he tore ligaments in his left knee while playing receiver. He had surgery on his non-kicking leg just over a year ago and was unable to practice for seven months.

“Sometimes, the plant foot is even worse because that’s where you need all your strength and stability,” he said.

After rehabilitating his knee, Van Blarcom began workouts with former UCLA kicker Chris Sailer, who has instructed Van Blarcom for about two years.

“Unfortunately he was a Bruin,” Van Blarcom said, smiling. “But that’s all right.”

Redshirt sophomore Mario Danelo will handle field-goal and extra-point attempts.

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John Walker worked with the first-unit defense for the second day in a row because senior Justin Wyatt was nursing a neck injury.

Walker, a fifth-year senior, will open the season as the third cornerback and play in passing situations with Wyatt and starter Terrell Thomas.

Walker moved up the depth chart last spring after starter Eric Wright was arrested on suspicion of rape. Wright was not charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office because of insufficient evidence. But he left school in June before facing a disciplinary hearing.

Walker, who has played mainly on special teams, said he studied the playbook in preparation for his long-awaited opportunity in the secondary.

“When you don’t know your stuff, you can’t play fast,” he said.

Coach Pete Carroll has been encouraged by Walker’s progress. “He’s really going to be an asset to us,” Carroll said. “This is a position where we needed him to come through.”

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Linebacker Dallas Sartz (hip) participated in several drills but none involving contact. Linebacker Brian Cushing (Achilles’ tendon) could return today, Carroll said.... Freshman Will Harris, a safety who impressed coaches with his play on special teams, also is working at cornerback.... USC will practice this morning at Howard Jones Field and tonight at the Coliseum. The Coliseum practice is closed to the public.... USC’s scrimmage on Sunday at the Coliseum will begin at 1 p.m. Admission is free. Parking is available at the Coliseum for $8 and on USC’s campus for $6, according to a school official.