SC NOTEBOOK: HEALTH ISSUES ARISE AT USC.Byline: Scott Wolf Scott Richard Wolf (born June 4, 1968) is an American actor. Born in Boston, Massachusetts to Steven Wolf and Susan Enowitch, Wolf was raised in West Orange, New Jersey. He graduated in 1986 from West Orange High School. Staff Writer USC's depth took a slight hit Thursday, when defensive end Van Brown was ruled out of the season-opening game against Auburn and wide receiver D. Hale was considered questionable because of injuries. Hale has a stress fracture stress fracture n. A fatigue fracture of bone caused by repeated application of a heavy load, such as the constant pounding on a surface by runners, gymnasts, and dancers. in his left ankle, the same injury that sidelined him the first seven games of last season. He was on crutches and his foot was placed in a protective boot after practice. But he is scheduled to see a doctor today, and a chance remains he could play in the opener. ``I'm not sure how long I'll be out,'' Hale said. ``The doctors weren't sure yet.'' Brown ruptured a groin muscle and is expected to be out two to three weeks. ``I did it in the first scrimmage,'' Brown said. ``I don't think I'll be out too long.'' Brown might return Sept. 6 for the game against Brigham Young. In his place, freshman Lawrence Jackson Lawrence Jackson (born August 30, 1985 in Inglewood, California) is an American football defensive lineman for the University of Southern California. He is referred to as LJ or LoJack. or transfer Frostee Rucker Frostee Rucker (born September 14, 1983 in Tustin, California) is an American football defensive end who currently plays for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Bengals in the third round (91st overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. could back up starter Kenechi Udeze Kenechi Udeze (born March 5, 1983 in Los Angeles, California) is an American football defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings. College Years Udeze attended the University of Southern California, and was a three-year starter and helped his team to a 2004 Rose Bowl victory . --Matua to start: Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Fred Matua Fred Matua (born January 14, 1984 in Wilmington, California) is an American football guard who is currently a practice squad player for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. won the starting spot at right guard, withstanding a challenge from junior-college transfer John Drake John Drake may refer to
``I'm just glad the coaches have faith in me,'' Matua said. ``I have a lot to learn. Right now it's my job, but I've still got to earn it.'' Specifically, Matua's biggest problem in training camp has been false starts, something he's become famous for with his teammates. ``Why is everyone talking about that?'' Matua joked. He then added, ``That's a sign of inexperience and immaturity. I've been a little anxious.'' The next looming issue concerns avoiding holding or personal-foul penalties. ``(USC An abbreviation for U.S. Code. coach Pete Carroll Peter C. Carroll (born September 15, 1951, in San Francisco, California) is the current head coach of the University of Southern California Trojans football team, having held that position since 2001. ) told me my main flaw is myself,'' Matua said. ``I need to play within the game.'' Stamina has been the concern for Drake, the 350-pound lineman. --Lewis returns: Freshman Whitney Lewis Whitney Lewis (born August 13, 1985, in Corpus Christi, Texas and raised in Oxnard, California) is an American football wide receiver. He is entering his senior season at the University of Northern Iowa. participated in six plays of full contact, his first action since spraining his right knee. ``It got stiff a little bit, but overall it felt pretty good,'' said Lewis, who has slimmed down to 225 pounds, 15 less than he weighed before camp. ``When I first weighed 225, I thought it was my ideal weight,'' Lewis said. Lewis weighed 215 pounds during his senior season at St. Bonaventure of Ventura. One of Lewis' top priorities will be to learn plays after being out for about a week. --First redshirts: Cornerback Eric Wright and safety Terrell Thomas will not play this season because of injuries. Wright underwent surgery on his hamstring and Thomas had shoulder surgery. The freshmen are expected to return for spring practice. Fullback Brandon Hancock remains hospitalized with an infected leg. He already has been ruled out of the Auburn game. Offensive tackle Jacob Rogers made more progress and should be ready to play against Auburn. --No progress: Freshmen Chauncey Washington, Jody Adewale and Fili Moala missed a second day of practice waiting for the NCAA NCAA abbr. National Collegiate Athletic Association Clearinghouse to approve their transcripts. --Recruit watch: Long Beach Poly wide receiver Derrick Jones attended practice. --Proof positive: Though freshman safety Darnell Bing is considered one of the most talented players on the team, Carroll pointed out he'll play his first college game next week. ``He's been doing fine through all of our drills and stuff,'' Carroll said. ``But the jury's still out on how he'll do in a game. (Auburn) will run a lot. He'll have to get after it from the start.'' CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Redshirt freshman Fred Matua, center, won the starting spot at right guard but must learn to cut down on mistakes. John McCoy/Staff Photographer |
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