RUSSELL TO LEAVE USC TO ENTER THE NFL DRAFT.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

USC defensive tackle Darrell Russell has decided to forgo his senior year and make himself available for the NFL draft, according to a source within the athletic department.

Russell informed USC coach John Robinson of his decision Monday afternoon. He is expected to make a public announcement today.

Russell declined comment about his plans.

The decision does not surprise USC officials. Since the end of the Trojans' season, Robinson has been in contact with NFL teams regarding Russell's draft status.

He is projected as a top-10 pick in what is considered a weak year for defensive lineman. Some scouting services have rated Russell as the No. 1 prospect at defensive tackle in the draft.

A 6-foot-4, 320-pound junior, Russell was a third-team All-American, first-team All-Pacific-10 Conference selection. He won the Morris Trophy, which goes to the conference's top defensive lineman, as voted by the league's offensive linemen.

He had 56 tackles and a team-high nine sacks for the Trojans this season.

Russell, 20, has been a starter at USC since midway through his freshman season and was considered one of the top prep players in the nation at St. Augustine High School in San Diego.

With Russell's departure and the graduation of Matt Keneley, USC has lost both of its starting tackles. Among the candidates to replace them are junior Marc Matock, freshman Ennis Davis of Reseda, and Adrian Wilson, a high school senior from Arkansas, who has given USC an oral commitment.

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Photo: (color) USC's Darrell Russell, showing his sacking prowess, is a projected top-10 pick in the NFL draft.

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