USC’s Revamped Football Staff Is Ready to Spring Into Practice

Spring football practice at USC affords young players the opportunity to compete for starting jobs and increased playing time in the fall. But when the two-time defending national champion Trojans open workouts today, the players won’t be alone in moving into new or expanded roles.

USC was originally scheduled to begin spring workouts on March 6, but Coach Pete Carroll pushed back the date partly because of coaching turnover.

Lane Kiffin was promoted to offensive coordinator, replacing Norm Chow. Steve Sarkisian returned to the program as assistant head coach to replace quarterbacks coach Carl Smith. Offensive line coach Pat Ruel and defensive line coach Jethro Franklin replace Tim Davis and Ed Orgeron, respectively.

“It’s going to be cool to see how it is with all the new coaches,” offensive tackle Sam Baker said. “They’re different, so it’s probably going to take a little time to get used to everything. But they’re working hard already.”

Blending the coaching staff is only one of the challenges Carroll and the Trojans will face during 14 closed-practice workouts on campus and the annual spring game at the Coliseum.

Eleven players are recovering from surgery, including quarterback Matt Leinart, running backs Reggie Bush (shoulder) and LenDale White (ankle), tight end Dominique Byrd (toe), offensive lineman Jeff Byers (hip), defensive lineman Frostee Rucker (toe), cornerbacks Eric Wright (knee) and Justin Wyatt (hernia), safety Darnell Bing (shoulder) and punter Tom Malone (knee). Running back Hershel Dennis (knee) will sit out spring practice and plans to redshirt.

Leinart will not practice while rehabilitating his elbow. White, Byrd and defensive lineman Manuel Wright will not participate because of academic issues.

“I’m disappointed that we’re going to have to take the measure, but it’s the right thing to do,” Carroll said. “Without your school and academic situation in order you can’t play.”

Wright’s absence could be particularly troublesome for the Trojans because Carroll called finding replacements for All-American tackles Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson “by far the most critical” position issue. All-American linebackers Matt Grootegoed and Lofa Tatupu also must be replaced.

USC welcomes the return of junior offensive tackle Winston Justice, who missed last season because of a suspension, fullback Brandon Hancock, who redshirted after knee and chest surgeries, and receiver Whitney Lewis and running back Chauncey Washington, who each redshirted last season because of academic ineligibility.

With Leinart sidelined, redshirt sophomore John David Booty and redshirt freshman Rocky Hinds will get plenty of opportunities. Carroll said Booty would be treated as the No. 1 quarterback.