USC FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: TYLER BACK FROM BROKEN LEG.

Byline: RICH HAMMOND 

Staff Writer

A post-practice roll across the practice field Thursday -- punishment for a tardy arrival to a weightlifting session -- won't be considered among the highlights of the week for USC tailback Marc Tyler.

But Tyler's debut as a full-fledged member of the Trojans -- delayed for several weeks as he fully recovered from the broken leg he suffered at Oaks Christian of Westlake Village last season -- was one of the things coach Pete Carroll listed as the highlights of his week as the Trojans neared the end of bye-week practices.

Tyler, one of the most heralded incoming freshman tailbacks in the country, had to sit and watch in practice as teammates including C.J. Gable, Stafon Johnson and Joe McKnight got valuable repetitions.

Tyler has joined the fray this week, and how much he impresses in practice this week could go a long way on determining whether Tyler gets playing time or ends up red-shirting this season.

"They haven't really said anything about that," Tyler said. "All they really told me is, 'Just get out there and see what you can do. We want to see you compete.' (Carroll) hasn't talked about red-shirting.

"It's been real fun out there, but it's been challenging. Coming from high school and also coming back from an injury and coming out here and playing against the No. 1 defense in the nation, the game speed is so fast. I was trying to go too fast but the other running backs are helping me to calm down."

Tyler is also splitting carries with Herschel Dennis, who is back participating in contact drills. Dennis missed last season after knee surgery.

"I think the highlights for me today and yesterday were to see Tyler get out here and (Mark) Sanchez get out here, and Herschel, too," Carroll said. "Those three guys are back in action and practicing well."

Making the most: Sophomore cornerback Shareece Wright got the first extended playing time of his college career in the season opener against Idaho and recorded the game's highlight play.

Late in the first quarter, Idaho tailback Deonte Jackson caught a swing pass and got leveled by Wright just as he turned upfield.

"I saw the lineman release and the tailback flare out. I just reacted," Wright said.

Wright said he played 24 snaps against the Vandals. He drew praise from the coaching staff and should remain part of a crowded cornerback rotation that includes Josh Pinkard, Terrell Thomas, Cary Harris and Mozique McCurtis.

"You just work hard every day and worry about yourself, worry about making yourself better," Wright said.

Rise and shine: USC will practice at 6:15 a.m. this morning, primarily so that coaches can travel to high school football games tonight for recruiting and scouting. The Trojans will not practice again until Monday.

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