Bradford Makes the Move Back to Safety

Allen Bradford, one of the most prominent members of USC’s stellar 2006 recruiting class, came to the Trojans as a safety.

He moved to tailback during training camp, but on Wednesday the 6-foot, 230-pound freshman from Colton returned to the secondary, passing up an opportunity to play fullback for an offense especially thin at that position.

“I just wanted to play defense,” Bradford said.

Bradford was behind fellow freshman tailbacks Emmanuel Moody and C.J. Gable and junior Chauncey Washington, who appears to be working through the hamstring problems that precipitated Bradford’s move to offense.

In a Tuesday meeting with Coach Pete Carroll and running backs coach Todd McNair, Bradford said he was told he could choose between tailback, safety and fullback.

The Trojans have lost fullbacks Brandon Hancock, Ryan Powdrell and Stanley Havili because of injuries. Mike Brittingham, a former walk-on, will start for the third-ranked Trojans on Saturday against Washington State. Seldom-used Jody Adewale, a fifth-year senior, will back up Brittingham.

Asked why he did not want to play fullback, Bradford said: “I really couldn’t tell you. They asked me if I just wanted to try out at fullback, I couldn’t go through with it.”

Bradford said his father counseled against the move to fullback, but his high school coach advised him it would be a way to get on the field.

Several high-profile players in USC history played fullback before gaining prominence as tailbacks, including Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Allen and Heisman runner-up Ricky Bell.

“It’s a worker-bee position,” said Sam Cunningham, who starred at fullback for USC in the early 1970s. “The cats you block for and the cats you play with appreciate you, but you kind of get lost in the shuffle when it comes to getting a lot of attention from fans and the media.”

Bradford, who has gained 16 yards and scored a touchdown in six carries, said he would return to offense if asked.

“I told Coach Carroll whenever he needed me back, I would be there for him,” Bradford said.

Carroll welcomed Bradford back to safety, where the Trojans also have depth issues.

“I told him I wanted him to feel comfortable with his opportunities,” Carroll said.

Bradford is not expected to be up to speed for Saturday’s game. With starter Kevin Ellison sitting out practice again to rest a sore left knee, the Trojans continued to work linebacker Dallas Sartz at safety.

Meanwhile, kicker David Buehler began taking repetitions at fullback. Buehler, 6-2 and 225 pounds, also has worked at safety. “He’s really fast and he’s a big strong kid,” Carroll said. “He was a short-yardage back in junior college and high school, so he’s excited about it.”

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All-American receiver Dwayne Jarrett did not practice again and said his sprained left shoulder remained sore.

On Sunday, Carroll said Jarrett was doubtful for Washington State and that he could miss two to four weeks. Jarrett has said that he would try to play against the Cougars, but he has not worked out this week.

“The trainers are treating it,” Jarrett said. “I think it will be a game-day decision.”

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Sophomore cornerback Kevin Thomas practiced for the first time since spraining his ankle against Arkansas.

“It feels good,” said Thomas, who started and returned a fumble in the opener. “When I twist I still feel a little pain, but hopefully that will be gone by game time. If not this week, then by next week for sure.”

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Linebacker Brian Cushing sat out most of the practice after twisting his left ankle, but Carroll said he was expected to be fine.

gary.klein@latimes.com