SOUTHERN ASCENT MOORE, TURNER BRING NEWFOUND RESPECT TO USC.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

Patrick Turner and Kyle Moore knew they were different than their USC teammates before they ever met.

``Two Southern boys going to USC isn't happening,'' Moore said. ``It's crazy. It surprised me.''

But the pair didn't realize how unique everyone else viewed them until they started talking to people on campus. It's not just their Southern accents, but their genteel demeanor that separates them from other freshmen.

Every question, whether from a coach, fan, student or reporter, is answered with ``Yes sir. No sir. Yes ma'am. No ma'am.''

It has given Turner and Moore a distinct identity among their USC teammates just a few weeks into their college careers.

``No one else talks like them,'' offensive lineman Winston Justice said. ``Even on the field, they sound polite to us.''

Although Turner is from Nashville, Tenn., and Moore is from Kathleen, Ga., they call each other brothers and say they ``automatically clicked'' upon meeting at USC.

``Kyle and I relate,'' Turner said. ``We even listen to the same music. We like Southern rap.''

It's second nature for the roommates to answer in a polite manner, and it has made them a hit with the coaching staff.

``That's how we were brought up, to be respectful,'' Moore said. ``People here are not used to it. But the coaches say, 'That's how I like it.' ''

With classes starting this week, other students are noticing their demeanor, according to Turner.

``Everyone says we're Southern gentleman,'' he said. ``But a few will say, 'Y'all are country.' ''

Turner and Moore were two of the more highly regarded players in the nation last season. Turner was generally considered the nation's No. 1 receiver. Moore rated as one of the top defensive linemen.

So far, they have lived up to their billings. Turner probably is going to be the Trojans' No. 3 receiver, and he has made several big plays in USC's scrimmages. Moore is a backup defensive end who is part of the playing rotation. He recorded four sacks in one scrimmage.

``It's not just that they are from the South, they have great family upbringing,'' said USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. ``It comes from respect with them. It's about character. Those are great players and great kids. Character is important with them.''

That they ended up together at USC is blind luck, especially since the Trojans don't traditionally recruit well in the South.

USC has had only six scholarship players in its history from Georgia (linebackers Chip Banks and August Curley, defensive linemen Larry Nunnally and Walt Underwood and the Browner brothers, safety-cornerback Joey and linebacker Keith). And only one player from Tennessee ever earned a letter, halfback James Webb in 1934.

``I wouldn't think USC would pick anyone outside the California border,'' Moore said. ``But I just had to get out of Georgia. It's not as quick or updated as California.

``Georgia's my home, but there's still racism going on there. They are still stuck in the 20th Century. You see Rebel flags everywhere.''

Moore lived in El Paso, Texas, for 10 years before moving to Georgia. And his interest in the University of Georgia waned in part because the Bulldogs recruited him as a defensive tackle.

``Once I started getting recruited by a lot of big schools, then they said I could play defensive end,'' Moore said. ``But it was too late.''

Turner's commitment to USC shocked some observers, who expected him to stay close to home.

``People automatically thought I was going to Tennessee,'' he said. ``I didn't want to just be the average dude who was a good high school player. I wanted to expand my horizons.''

It's not just their ability, but their maturity that sets them apart from average USC freshmen. Turner has drawn comparisons to USC's past two big-time out-of-state receivers, Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett.

He's not as brash and cocky as Williams and more poised than Jarrett when they arrived at USC. Even coach Pete Carroll, who usually is cautious about comparing players, said Turner has progressed faster than Jarrett.

``Patrick's come in better shape, with all his summer work, and he's playing faster,'' Carroll said. ``I think he's a little bit ahead.''

Turner liked USC because of its wide-open offense, and he also worked out at the Tennessee Titans complex, where Titans coach and former Trojans cornerback Jeff Fisher told him about USC.

``'SC's the new place,'' Turner said. ``Like Miami used to be in the East. I can see a lot of people making the transition from the Southeast.''

Under Carroll, USC has made recruiting inroads in Florida (Williams, linebacker Keith Rivers), but few expected the Trojans could land the top players from Tennessee and Georgia.

``The whole vibe of California is different. Everyone is doing something,'' Turner said. ``People are way more polite in the South. But I like it here. It's very diverse out here.

``In the South, it's just black and white, and here you see all types of people. I've never met so many different people as I have at USC.''

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com

SOUTHERN STRATEGY

USC freshman receiver Patrick Turner is the first player from Tennessee since 1934, and freshman defensive end Kyle Moore is the first Georgia native since 1983:

Name: Patrick Turner.

Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.

Height/Weight: 6-5, 220.

Personal: Parade and USA Today All-American with 48 receptions for more than 800 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

Name: Kyle Moore.

Hometown: Kathleen, Ga.

Height/Weight: 6-6, 265.

Personal: Parade and USA Today All-American with 93 tackles, 22 sacks, 18 deflected passes and eight forced fumbles last season.

CAPTION(S):

3 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- color) Freshman receiver Patrick Turner could be USC's first letterwinner from Tennessee since 1934.

(2 -- color) Kyle Moore, a freshman defensive lineman from Kathleen, Ga., chose to attend USC over the University of Georgia.

(3) Patrick Turner (1) is vying to be the No. 3 receiver at USC this season. He has been impressive in Trojans scrimmages.

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer

Box:

SOUTHERN STRATEGY (see text)