USC linebacker Olajuwon Tucker on track to start against Oregon

USC sophomore Olajuwon Tucker remains on track to start for the first time on Saturday at Oregon.

Interim coach Clay Helton said Thursday that if the game were played today, Tucker and senior Anthony Sarao would start at inside linebacker.

Freshman Osa Masina, junior Michael Hutchings and sophomore Uchenna Nwosu also could play.

Su’a Cravens and Scott Felix start at the outside spots.

Tucker will play in place of freshman Cameron Smith, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against Colorado.

Tucker, who came to USC from Gardena Serra High, had not played in the previous five games before coming on to make a career-best four tackles against Colorado.

Helton said he had no concerns about playing Tucker or other young players. And he mentioned freshman receiver Deontay Burnett, who emerged as a contributor after joining the Trojans during training camp.

“We signed them, we brought them here, we’ve trained them and they’re ready to go,” Helton said. “Just like Deontay Burnett, you never know what he’s going to do until you put him out and there and let him play.”

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