MOST USC RECRUITS WILLING TO BE PATIENT.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

By now, they've heard of Paul Hackett.

If they're lucky, they've even heard from Paul Hackett.

Now if they could only meet him.

That's the dilemma facing about 25 blue-chip high school football recruits today, as they consider USC while the Trojans' new football coach continues his duties as the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive coordinator.

NCAA rules prohibit Hackett from making home visits until the Chiefs' season ends. In the meantime, Hackett is phoning recruits from Kansas City and asking them to be patient before making a college choice.

So far, recruits are reacting differently to the unique situation presented by Hackett's dual role.

``I would like to meet him and get a feel for him,'' Notre Dame High tailback Justin Fargas said. ``I'm not going to hold it against him.''

In an effort to increase his chances of meeting Hackett, Fargas decided to delay his on-campus visit to USC from Jan. 9 to Jan. 23. He will instead visit Michigan on Jan. 9 and Northwestern on Jan. 16. The only way Hackett won't be around by the 23rd is if Kansas City makes the Super Bowl.

``It changes things because I'm not going to commit to a school where I don't know who the coach is,'' Fargas said. ``But it's not like 'SC's out of the picture. Hopefully, (delaying the visit) will better his chances of being there.''

Fargas, who has already visited UCLA, said he is not going to rush his decision.

``As soon as I feel comfortable with a place, that's where I'll commit,'' he said.

Others are finding it difficult to resist the urge of making an oral commitment in January, when most players announce their college intentions.

Jashon Sykes of Serra High, considered one of the top linebackers in the West, wants to make his decision in the next two weeks and will probably commit to Colorado because of the uncertainty regarding USC.

``I'm not going to sign a letter of intent if I don't know who I'm playing for,'' Sykes said. ``I have no idea what they're going to do on defense. I like 'SC, but I have no idea what type of defense they'll run or who their linebacker coach or defensive coordinator will be.

``Before I go to any school, I need to know those things. I like 'SC, but not as much as I did.''

Sykes has not talked to Hackett, who has left several messages at his house.

``This is the '90s and unfortunately a lot of it is answering machines,'' Hackett said. ``I've dealt with that, though 15 years ago you didn't. A young man who is interested in me and USC will have the opportunity to watch what I'm doing (with Kansas City).''

Fortunately for USC, most players are being patient.

The Trojans remain in good shape with quarterback Carson Palmer of Santa Margarita, who is regarded as the best pure passer in the state.

Palmer, who has narrowed his choices to USC and Colorado, has been impressed with his telephone conversations with Hackett.

``I liked him a lot. He sounded real energetic. Not low key, like (former) coach (John) Robinson,'' Palmer said. ``I know (Joe) Montana came to Kansas City just to be with him. It's just another plus for 'SC. I don't know coach Hackett enough to not like him. It's still 'SC. It hasn't changed a whole lot.''

Palmer may wait until the Feb. 4 signing date, just to get a face-to-face meeting with Hackett before making his official announcement.

Echoing Palmer's sentiments was fullback Mike McNair of Mater Dei, who rushed for 2,780 yards and scored 33 touchdowns for the Monarchs. McNair is considering USC and Notre Dame, and will visit both schools this month.

``The coaching change doesn't really affect me,'' McNair said. ``It's better it happened this year, because if it didn't change this year, then maybe it would have next year.''

McNair was surprised when he received his first phone call from Hackett, soon after he was named USC head coach.

``I didn't think I'd hear from him,'' McNair said. ``That impressed me. It went really well. I know he's a great coach.''

As important as wooing the undecided recruits has become, USC has also had to secure players who committed during the season.

Quarterback Jason Thomas of Dominguez and defensive tackle Jermaine Brooks of Rancho Cucamonga have both decided to takes trips to other schools, but USC coaches are confident they will honor their early commitments.

Muir tailback Sultan McCullough, who rushed for 2,145 yards and scored 27 touchdowns, said he will take a trip to Nebraska, but still seems firmly intent on attending USC.

``I just want to give (Hackett) a chance. I just want to get there and run the ball,'' McCullough said. ``He said he's heard a lot about me. He's OK. I know he coached Marcus Allen at Kansas City and USC. He was cool. He was straight up.''