USC FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: INTERVIEWS SPARK TENSION.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF  Staff Writer

There seems to be some growing tension between USC's compliance office and the football program as an investigation continued Wednesday.

As previously reported, compliance officials are interviewing a large number of football players about recruiting trips to Papadakis Taverna restaurant in San Pedro. But the officials are also looking into the issue of walk-on players.

``They talked to me and some of the questions I didn't even know the answers to,'' punter Greg Woidneck said. ``They wanted to know the exact time and date I talked (to USC). It was a year ago.''

Asked if he thought any violations occurred, Woidneck said, ``absolutely not.''

Compliance officials work for a university and are independent of the athletic department, and there is growing discontent within the football program over the timing of the interviews because USC plays California on Saturday for the Pacific-10 Conference championship.

Some players complained about waiting for an hour to speak with faculty athletic representative Noel Ragsdale and associate provost for athletic compliance Ellen Ferris.

Sources also complained the investigation is a fishing expedition, because no known violations occurred to prompt interviews with so many players.

Extra practice: Woidneck worked after practice on improving his hang time because USC faces California's DeSean Jackson this week.

``That's going to be the main issue Saturday,'' Woidneck said.

The last time Woidneck worked on his hang time, Oregon State returned one of his punts for a touchdown.

``I kicked it five yards too far,'' Woidneck said.

USC coach Pete Carroll said he is spending extra time on special teams.

``(Jackson) is at his best when stuff breaks down,'' Carroll said. ``You've got to hang the ball up there to give your (punt team) a chance. Hopefully we can do a nice job of corralling him.''

Washington update: Tailback Chauncey Washington (sprained knee) said he hopes to practice today and is regaining full motion in his knee.

``I'm not doubting at all that I'm playing,'' Washington said.

Nose guard Sedrick Ellis returned to practice after resting his knee Tuesday and said he was fine. Linebacker Rey Maualuga (knee) also returned to practice.

Nellum selects USC: Bryshon Nellum, the nation's top 200- and 400-meter runner and a wide receiver at Long Beach Poly, will play football and run track for the Trojans next season.

Despite some reports, Nellum will be able to play both sports immediately for the Trojans.

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