USC’s T.J. Bryant makes case for Emerald Bowl start

The last game of the season for USC could mark the first career start for cornerback T.J. Bryant.

The sophomore from Tallahassee, Fla., continues to work extensively with the first-team defense in preparation for the Dec. 26 Emerald Bowl game against Boston College.

“It just gives me the opportunity to show what I’ve been taught to do,” Bryant said Friday after practice.

The 6-foot, 180-pound Bryant is competing against junior Shareece Wright and redshirt freshman Brian Baucham for the chance to replace injured Josh Pinkard.

“Somebody’s got to play out there that hasn’t played much,” Coach Pete Carroll said this week. “So we’ll see what happens.”

Bryant has played most of the season as a nickel back, coming in on obvious passing situations. He has 20 tackles and two deflections in 12 games.

“He’s had a good, solid year,” Carroll said. “He’s learned a lot and hasn’t been exposed much.”

Wright, a fourth-year junior, was scheduled to start this season but was declared academically ineligible, forcing Pinkard to move from safety to cornerback for the second consecutive season.

Wright, however, has been cleared to play in the game at San Francisco’s AT&T Park after performing well in the classroom during the fall semester.

Carroll said Wright would play on special teams against Boston College and also praised him as a nickel back.

The former Colton High star, however, said he spoke with Carroll and sensed that he was not eager to reward Wright with a start after he was ineligible during the season.

“That was part of the conversation -- whether I deserved it after punishing myself and the team,” Wright said. “It would be great to start. But if I don’t, I’ll just wait till spring ball and work hard in the off-season and get ready for next year.”

Baucham was the Trojans’ third cornerback early in the season, but he was sidelined by several injuries, including burns suffered in a motorcycle accident.

He returned to practice last week after sitting out several weeks because of ankle and foot problems.

“We’re surprised he’s even out here competing,” Carroll said.

Baucham praised Bryant for his play this season and also complimented Wright for making his way back from ineligibility.

“We’re all fast and we’re all cover corners,” Baucham said. “We’re not afraid to hit.”

Perry proud

Defensive end Nick Perry is looking forward to a strong finish to what has been a decorated season for the redshirt freshman from Detroit.

Perry had seven sacks and was selected to several Freshman All-American teams.

“Coaches told me I had the potential to get to this level, it was just up to me to do it,” he said.

Quick hits

Tailback Allen Bradford (knee) and cornerback Kevin Thomas (ankle) did not practice. Both are expected to work out when the Trojans resume practice after a two-day break. . . . Carroll said the game plan for Boston College has been installed. The Trojans leave for San Francisco after a Monday morning practice. “Preparation has gone well and practices have been very strong,” Carroll said. “We’re in good shape for going into this break.”

gary.klein@latimes.com

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