ROGERS GETS INITIATED EARLY.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

Jacob Rogers should be dealing with nothing more serious than senioritis, but decided he'd rather get hit by USC's defense.

Just three months ago, Rogers was attending classes at Oxnard High. But he graduated early and enrolled at USC for the winter semester.

Although he's only 17, Rogers has started his college football education early by participating in USC's spring practice. USC coach Paul Hackett already noticed Rogers getting popped by a defensive player because he was standing too high during a drill.

``I'm thinking, would he rather be in his senior year, kicking back, enjoying life?'' Hackett said. ``He's a mature guy. I think for a certain type, this is a great way to get a jump. For a lineman or tight end, this is wonderful.''

So far, Rogers isn't complaining about the experience.

``It's a little bit of a jump but I feel I've acclimated to the program,'' Rogers said. ``I've had no regrets. I've had a lot of fun the last few days. This is why I came here early.''

One thing that helps Rogers is having one of his best friends, former Oxnard fullback Chad Pierson, on the team. Rogers may be in college, but he said he still intends to go to the prom, and will participate in Oxnard's graduation ceremony in June.

Back to football: Freshman Sultan McCullough has run the fastest 100 meters in the nation this year (10.17 seconds), but he has no plans to abandon football.

``I want to be the best in both sports,'' McCullough said. ``I came out there to prove my point (in track).''

McCullough thinks he could be the Trojans' No. 2 tailback by next season, backing up Chad Morton.

``I know Chad's a senior and a captain, it will be hard, but if I can I'd like to beat him out,'' McCullough said.

Hackett said he's been impressed by McCullough's movement and planting in practices, but he still needs to work on his hands.

``He's got a little bit of the problem Frank (Strong) has. He doesn't hold on to the ball enough,'' Hackett said.

Jackson to fullback: Tailback Jabari Jackson has been working out at fullback, a position where the Trojans are particularly thin, because Brennan Ochs is out with a pulled hamstring, leaving Pierson as the only true fullback at the position. Malaefou MacKenzie could also play fullback, but is still in rehabilitation from knee surgery.

Thomas rests: Quarterback Jason Thomas re-aggravated his hamstring and sat out Tuesday's practice. Thomas has been bothered since the winter with a hamstring injury. He is considered day-to-day.