Leinart Mulls Surgery

USC quarterback Matt Leinart, who recently announced he was staying for his final season of eligibility, is contemplating minor surgery on his left elbow and might have the procedure done as soon as next week.

Leinart, the Heisman Trophy winner, said Tuesday that he was still consulting with physicians.

“I don’t know yet,” Leinart said after participating in the Trojans’ first day of off-season conditioning. “I’m talking to doctors. But I feel good, and we’ll see what happens.”

Leinart, 21, shocked many on Friday when he turned down the opportunity to earn instant millions as a pro. At the news conference where he announced he was staying at USC, Leinart said he was physically and mentally prepared for the battery of tests NFL teams would have put him through before the April 23 draft.

But last summer, the 6-foot-5, 225-pound left-hander refrained from throwing passes because of tendinitis.

The condition persisted during training camp and forced Leinart to limit his practice throws through the first part of the Trojans’ 13-0 season.

The arthroscopic procedure that Leinart would undergo is not regarded as major, but the recovery time probably would prevent him from participating fully in spring practice, which is scheduled to begin March 6.

Leinart, however, is expected to have a limited role regardless, because the coaching staff wants to evaluate redshirt sophomore John David Booty and redshirt freshman Rocky Hinds.

Leinart spent the holiday weekend at his family’s home in Santa Ana recuperating from a stress-filled 10 days that followed the Trojans’ 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. After he announced his decision, he said, “I felt like a big load is off my back.”

He still felt that way Tuesday.

“No regrets,” he said.

Leinart was inundated with media and autograph requests, especially after he won the Heisman in December.

He does not expect the demands to abate.

“I realize by coming back it’s going to be just like it was -- maybe worse,” he said. “It’s all a part of it. But I’d still rather be here.”

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About 30 players, including all offensive linemen, were on hand at Howard Jones Field for the predawn workout that kicked off the Trojans’ four-days-a-week off-season conditioning program. Players have the option of attending workouts at 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.

“I’m not going to ask anything more than last year, but I don’t expect anything less,” strength coach Chris Carlisle said to the players, who went through 40 minutes of drills before sprinting to the weight room for the second half of the workout.

Offensive tackle Winston Justice, who missed last season because of a suspension, weighed in at 286 pounds and impressed the strength and conditioning staff on the field and in the weight room.

“It feels really good to be back and work out with the team,” the 6-foot-6 Justice said. “I missed the camaraderie.”

Junior fullback Brandon Hancock, who was a redshirt last season because of knee and chest surgeries, also said he was prepared to recapture a starting role.

Though they were only two weeks removed from the Orange Bowl, the players said they were eager to get back to work.

“Other programs are getting ready for next season,” offensive tackle Kyle Williams said. “We’re getting ready for spring ball.”

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Coach Pete Carroll has not hired a defensive line coach to replace Ed Orgeron, but sources said Jethro Franklin, the Green Bay Packers’ defensive line coach, is the leading candidate.

Franklin, 39, coached for eight seasons at Fresno State and one at UCLA before the Packers hired him in 2000.

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Running back Hershel Dennis said he would have knee surgery on Friday. Dennis suffered torn ligaments in his left knee on Dec. 16 during preparations for the Orange Bowl. Dennis said he was told that his recovery would take six to eight months. He is expected to redshirt next season and would have one season of eligibility remaining.... USC will unveil several national-championship trophies and Leinart’s Heisman Trophy during a free celebration on campus Friday. The ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m. near the Tommy Trojan statue.