Recruits may be next in line

Young players are receiving expanded opportunities during USC’s early Rose Bowl practices, a sight that probably went over well Friday as high school stars looked on during the start of an important recruiting weekend for the Trojans.

Running back Broderick Green from Arkansas, receiver Deonte Thompson from Florida, safety Chad Jones from Louisiana and defensive back/receiver Ronald Johnson from Michigan are among 11 recruits making official visits. Long Beach Poly cornerback Donovan Warren, Gardena Serra lineman Da’John Harris and receiver Brandon Carswell of Milpitas High in Northern California also are visiting.

USC has received commitments from 11 players. Among them are Green and Huntington Beach Edison lineman Martin Coleman, Norco linebacker Jordan Campbell, Anaheim Servite linebacker Chris Galippo and Camarillo quarterback Samson Szakacsy, who also are on campus this weekend.

USC’s last four recruiting classes have been ranked at or near the top nationally by several services that track recruiting.

High school players cannot sign national letters of intent until February.

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Running back Allen Bradford and tight end Anthony McCoy are among the freshmen taking full advantage of increased repetitions.

“They’re getting the best reps they’ve had against the No. 1 defense,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “It’s got to help their confidence and bring them further along.”

The 6-foot, 230-pound Bradford hopes the work pays off with a role in the Rose Bowl against Michigan.

After moving back and forth between safety and running back early in the season, Bradford carried only nine times for 23 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two passes, one for a touchdown.

“I’m trying to get the work and get better with what I do,” he said. “I don’t know the situation for the game, but if I get my chance, I’m going to do what I can.”

Said Carroll: “He looks like a regular guy in the rotation. He still does some things really uniquely well that we try to feature at times.”

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Nose tackle Sedrick Ellis was selected to the CollegeFootballNews.com All-America team.... According to USC’s sports information office, linebacker Dallas Sartz was invited to the East-West Shrine game, offensive lineman Ryan Kalil and receiver Steve Smith to the Senior Bowl and offensive lineman Kyle Williams to the All-American Classic.... Defensive lineman Fili Moala sat out part of practice after injuring his left ankle.... The Trojans will take Sunday off before resuming daily workouts on Monday.

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gary.klein@latimes.com