USC football: Tre Madden out for season with torn knee ligament

USC tailback Tre Madden suffered a torn ligament in his left knee and will undergo surgery that will force him to sit out the 2012 season, the school announced Friday.

Madden was injured Thursday during the Trojans’ 11th spring-practice workout. He was attempting to plant his left foot but fell to the ground without being hit.

Madden, a sophomore from Aliso Viejo, had been perhaps the most pleasant surprise of spring practice. The 6-foot, 226-pound Madden was converted from linebacker to tailback to help supply depth and he showed flashes not only as a big-back presence but also as a running and passing threat from the Wildcat formation.

USC once again faces the prospect of entering the fall with only two sound scholarship tailbacks.

Senior Curtis McNeal is the returning starter, having rushed for 1,005 yards last season. Third-year sophomore D.J. Morgan started two games in 2011.

Redshirt freshman Javorious Allen has been sidelined in spring practice because of a hamstring strain.

USC will practice Saturday at the Coliseum at 11 a.m. The workout is open to the public and admission is free.

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USC football: Tre Madden suffers season-ending knee injury