USC NOTEBOOK: CARROLL BECOMES CAMERA SHY.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

It was a down-and-up week for USC tailback Reggie Bush, although it didn't have anything to do with his on-field performance at training camp.

Bush was unhappy Monday when he learned coach Pete Carroll canceled a cover photo shoot for Sports Illustrated featuring Bush with fellow tailbacks LenDale White and Hershel Dennis because he considered it a distraction.

``I was kind of disappointed. I really wanted to do it and I told people about it,'' Bush said. ``I was surprised.''

Carroll eventually changed his mind and allowed the shoot to take place Thursday, but it's no longer certain the picture will be prominently featured.

``They said it still might,'' Bush said. ``But I'm not sure.''

--Two down, three to go: So far, it appears two of the five spots on the offensive line are settled.

Fred Matua, the only returning starter, is the right guard.Redshirt freshman Sam Baker continues to hold off competition at left tackle, a position he first won in spring practice.

``We have a lot of guys fighting for starting spots, that's clear,'' Carroll said.

Sophomore Ryan Kalil has the inside track at center, but true freshman Jeff Byers will be given an opportunity to win the starting job.

--First injury: Linebacker Marco Chavez suffered a partially torn patella tendon and will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine whether surgery is required.

Chavez, who wore a full-leg brace to protect his knee, will be out at least three weeks even if he can avoid surgery.

``I'd like to be back for Virginia Tech (on Aug. 28), but that will be hard if I miss training camp,'' Chavez said.

Defensive tackle Manuel Wright did not practice after vomiting during warm-ups.

``That was my breakfast,'' Wright said. ``The sun and the workout takes a toll.''

Wright added he ``got an oil change'' after receiving two bags of intravenous fluids and will be available today.

Defensive end Frostee Rucker also sat out because of a sore toe. He strained ligaments in the same toe last season. Offensive lineman John Drake sat out to rest a sore ankle.

--No word: Mike Williams took another day off to concentrate on summer school. Carroll said there was no contact from the NCAA regarding the receiver's eligibility.

Receiver Jason Mitchell missed practice to concentrate on academics because he must pass summer classes to remain eligible.

--Recruit watch: Among the players who attended Friday's practices were tight end Charles Brown and defensive back Titus Jackson of Diamond Ranch High in Pomona.

--Practice change: Carroll decided to hold only an afternoon practice today in order to combine the veterans and freshmen into one group. One reason for the change is to make the freshmen aware of the fast tempo of practices.

Coaches were forced to take frequent breaks during freshman practices this week because players became fatigued after participating in more snaps than they would in a full-team practice.

``It's time to mix guys together and see how they match on the same field,'' Carroll said. ``I think the younger guys will pick up the pace. It's clear to me a bunch of young guys have a chance to compete.''

Carroll added that junior college transfers Scott Ware (free safety) and Ryan Powdrell (middle linebacker) along with freshman linebacker Keith Rivers could see action on special teams because of their athleticism.

--Bulking up: Freshman receiver Fred Davis weighed 216 pounds when he enrolled at USC in February. He arrived at training camp weighing 232.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

FRED MATUA

The Trojans' lone returning starter on the offensive line is set as the right guard.