SC NOTEBOOK: WILLIAMS KEEPS CONNECTION.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

USC receiver Mike Williams is a Playboy All-American, which also makes him part of an elite club.

More than just a preseason honor, Williams is part of a weekly tradition where the nation's top players call each other to keep up on what's happening across the nation.

Last weekend, Williams called Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning after the Rebels defeated Auburn, which positioned them to win their first Southeastern Conference title since 1963.

``If anyone has a big game, we call them,'' Williams said. ``(Manning) was like, 'Whatever.' He'll downplay everything.''

Manning told Williams about Miami tight end Kellen Winslow's outburst following the Hurricanes' loss to Tennessee, so Williams also called Winslow, another Playboy All-American.

``When I called him he was writing a letter of apology,'' Williams said.

Other members who keep in touch with Williams are Texas receiver Roy Williams, Washington receiver Reggie Williams and Auburn linebacker Karlos Dansby.

``We talk about everything,'' Mike Williams said. ``Mostly we talk about what (ESPN analysts) Mark May or Trev Alberts say and how much they exaggerate everything.

``If that's not the most exaggerated show, I don't know what is.''

--Winslow supporter: Williams said he sympathized with Winslow, who criticized the officials and compared himself to a soldier after the Hurricanes' game and drew universal condemnation.

``If Kellen Winslow came knocking on people's door here, everyone would love him as a player,'' Williams said. ``Guys that announce games or talk on message boards are armchair quarterbacks. They haven't done much probably besides play in high school. There isn't a school in the country he couldn't play for.''

Williams added he wants USC players to be just as intense following losses.

``Who knows? The way coach (Pete) Carroll is bringing it, maybe one of us might go nuts after a game,'' Williams said. ``That's my goal at USC. To build it to a point where a loss is considered a big deal and pretty much unheard of.''

--Simmons unsure: Linebacker Melvin Simmons' bruised leg remains a concern and there are doubts about his status this week. Although he's been cleared to play Saturday against Arizona, Simmons said he needs a day of practice to determine if he can go.

``It just depends on the chance I'm ready to take,'' Simmons said. ``The doctors said I'm OK but I'll risk further injury. I could re-aggravate it.''

Even with that warning, Simmons sounded like he would play against the Wildcats.

``I've got to play,'' he said. ``I'm a senior and a captain.''

So will he definitely play?

``I don't know, I've got to practice,'' Simmons said.

Carroll sounded pessimistic about linebacker Matt Grootegoed's sprained ankle, which is not improving as fast as hoped.

``I'm concerned about Matt making it this week,'' Carroll said.

--Urquhart finished: Linebacker Daniel Urquhart's pinched nerve in his left shoulder has not improved and the junior will not play the rest of the season. Carroll said Urquhart still has trouble lifting his arm.

--Senior workout: Receiver Keary Colbert called a seniors-only workout Monday, when the team was given the day off. That left underclassmen like sophomore offensive tackle Winston Justice off the hook.

``I'll be at home chillin,'' Justice said.

--Another commitment: Linebacker Ryan Powdrell of Saddleback College in Mission Viejo said he will attend USC. He is the fourth player to commit in the past two weeks, following center Jeff Byers, offensive tackle Thomas Herring and tight end Dale Thompson.

--USC-UCLA kickoff: ABC announced the Nov. 22 USC-UCLA game at the Coliseum will kick off at 12:30 p.m. USC's final game against Oregon State at the Coliseum starts at 1:30 p.m. Both are on Channel 7.

--Scrimmage star: Freshman Desmond Reed, recently switched from safety to receiver, caught a touchdown pass during Sunday's night scrimmage between the reserves. Reed is redshirting this season.

Carroll called off a scheduled scrimmage with the whole team because he was pleased with the progress of practice.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

MIKE WILLIAMS

Receiver calls other members of the Playboy All-American team.