Wright’s Decision Due This Week

USC defensive lineman Manuel Wright, who sat out spring practice to concentrate on academics, will announce this week whether he will remain at USC or possibly make himself available for an NFL supplemental draft, his father said Monday.

Terence Wright said his son would take his last final exam today and then meet with USC coaches.

He said a decision by his son could come as soon as Wednesday.

“He knows how I feel about it,” Terence Wright said in a phone interview. “It’s on him after that.”

Last month, Manuel Wright said he had contacted the NFL about declaring for a supplemental draft this summer, but that it would be “the last option” if he were academically ineligible.

Wright, who attended Long Beach Poly High, signed a letter of intent with USC in 2002, but did not qualify for admission and attended Long Beach City College as a part-time student. In 2003 and 2004, the 6-foot-6, 290-pound Wright played almost exclusively as a reserve, but was projected as a starter next season after the departure of All-American tackles Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson.

Wright, running back LenDale White, tight end Dominique Byrd and defensive lineman Frostee Rucker were held out of spring practice to focus on academic issues.