Williams misses practice because of ‘personal issues’

USC began installing its Rose Bowl game plan for Michigan on Monday, but the Trojans did so without one of their starters.

Right tackle Kyle Williams missed the workout because of “personal issues,” Coach Pete Carroll said, so Matt Spanos took the majority of repetitions with the first-team offense.

Spanos, a fourth-year junior from Corona, was academically ineligible this season. He could play in the Rose Bowl if his grades are adequate for the recently-completed fall semester. Grades will be posted this week.

Williams, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound fifth-year senior, was a valuable reserve in 2003 and 2004 and started every game this season after Winston Justice made himself available for the NFL draft. Throughout the season, coaches said Williams played well. But he struggled against UCLA and was called for three false starts in the Trojans’ 13-9 loss, a defeat that touched off a firestorm of criticism from fans that was directed at individual coaches and players.

Williams met with Carroll and offensive line coach Pat Ruel after practice Monday and will return today, a source said.

Spanos, 6-5 and 305 pounds, spent the season on the service team.

“He’s a tough guy ... a battler and one of the strongest kids in the program,” Carroll said. “We’ve always thought that he was going to be a starter someday so, eventually, if he takes care of his business he’ll have a chance to do that.”

Asked if Williams could be challenged for a starting role in the Rose Bowl, Ruel responded by saying competition was the program’s core.

“Just because there are some hurdles doesn’t mean you have to trip,” Ruel said. “You just have to jump a little higher.”

If eligible, Spanos said he would be ready if called upon on New Year’s Day.

“I’m still a little rusty on a couple of things, but there’s quite a few days to work on that stuff,” he said.

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Despite having two weeks to heal, USC’s tailback corps remains at less than full strength.

Junior Chauncey Washington did a few drills but stayed out of competitive situations because his left knee remains sore.

“I’ve just got to ease into it -- I don’t want to hurt anything else by going full out,” he said.

Carroll said he would have liked to see Washington fully participate, but cited former tailback LenDale White, who nursed an ankle injury throughout the run-up to the 2005 Orange Bowl and then rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns against Oklahoma.

“We’ve got a lot of time yet,” Carroll said.

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Receiver Chris McFoy, who suffered a high ankle sprain against UCLA and missed several workouts, participated in practice. ... Cornerback Kevin Thomas, who broke his foot on Oct. 14, is taking part in drills.

gary.klein@latimes.com