CORNER SET TO COMMIT.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

Barring a last-minute change of heart, cornerback Antwine Perez of Camden, N.J., is expected to announce today that he will attend USC, according to sources.

Perez won't officially announce his decision until a news conference today, so there's always a chance he could change his mind, but he has narrowed his choices to the Trojans and Michigan. He made his official trip to USC two weeks ago for the Arkansas game.

He is listed as the 37th-best prospect in the nation, according to Rivals.com.

USC also has emerged as a leader for tailback LeSean McCoy of Harrisburg, Pa., although McCoy broke his ankle last week and is out for the season. McCoy is listed as the No. 1 tailback in the nation, according to Rivals.

In other recruiting news, the Trojans are looking at Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks star Garrett Green as a quarterback. There's been speculation USC wanted Green to play safety in college, but the Trojans need to sign a quarterback in this recruiting class.

--Just average: Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said USC's receivers played their worst game of the season against Oregon.

``They've got to play better,'' Kiffin said. ``Just on the little things, on things like pure effort, we've got to get better.

``The quarterback and wide receivers were just average the last game; the two running backs and offensive line were the heroes of the game.''

--Go for it: USC coach Pete Carroll won't attempt long field goals this season, as demonstrated by his decision to go for it on fourth-and-10 from the 30 against Oregon. Freshman Troy Van Blarcom made a 54-yard field goal in high school but said he doesn't expect to kick this year.

``This isn't really the team to go for a really long field goal,'' Van Blarcom said.

--Into the wall: Safety Josh Pinkard crashed into the wooden wall during a play Tuesday and bruised his knee and ankle. X-rays were negative, although Pinkard emerged with a slight limp.

--Schweiger returns: Defensive end Jeff Schweiger practiced for the first time since breaking his foot on the opening day of training camp. It's too soon to tell if he can play against Arizona State, although Schweiger wants to play.

``If not this week, I better be 100 percent next week or I'll be (mad),'' Schweiger said.

Offensive lineman Drew Radovich underwent an MRI for a recurring hip injury.

--Rusty debut: Cornerback Mozique McCurtis practiced for the first time since the opening day of training camp when he suffered a hernia, but doesn't appear close to playing.

Freshman Will Harris also is back and could play, most likely on special teams.

--Position switch: Ryan Powdrell has been switched to strong side linebacker this week, as Dallas Sartz and Brian Cushing remain out with dislocated shoulders. Sartz might be back for the Arizona game (Oct. 8) while Cushing won't be back until Notre Dame (Oct. 15).

Freshman linebacker Luthur Brown is out two weeks with a sore back and will probably redshirt.

--Autograph crackdown: USC has taken a more aggressive stance toward autograph seekers and asked several to no longer attend nighttime practices.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com