Old Home Week for Hancock

USC fullback Brandon Hancock could not help noticing just about every time his cellphone rang this week.

“Quite a few 559-area-code numbers were popping up on the old caller ID,” said Hancock, a fourth-year junior from Fresno.

More than perhaps any other USC player, Hancock is looking forward to tonight’s game against 16th-ranked Fresno State at the Coliseum.

Hancock attended Clovis West High in Fresno and said he grew up idolizing Fresno State players.

“I’m proud to be from the [Central] Valley and I want people to be proud of what I’ve accomplished down here too,” Hancock said.

After redshirting last season while recovering from knee and chest surgeries, Hancock has shared the position with David Kirtman. He has blocked effectively and also has caught seven passes for 87 yards.

On Friday, Hancock was selected to the Pacific 10 Conference All-Academic team for the second time. Hancock, a communications major, carries a 3.89 grade-point average.

Hancock is expecting a large contingent of red-clad Fresno State fans to be at the Coliseum to see the Bulldogs attempt to upset the Trojans.

“I know people that don’t even have tickets, they’re all caravaning down here,” he said. “The Red Wave is pretty intense.”

Hancock said he hoped to perform well for the Trojans, and for the friends and relatives who will be watching.

“You don’t want to go out there and miss blocks and drop balls,” he said. “If I’m given the opportunity to touch the ball and get into the end zone, that would be phenomenal.”

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Junior defensive backs Brandon Ting and Ryan Ting also were selected to Pac-10 All-Academic team.

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Coach Pete Carroll and the athletic department are sponsoring a toy drive for a children’s foundation and victims of Hurricane Katrina. Fans attending tonight’s game can donate new toys at a collection site at the peristyle end of the Coliseum.