USC NOTEBOOK: DISTRICT ATTORNEY WON'T CHARGE DENNIS.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

The district attorney's office decided not to file charges against USC tailback Hershel Dennis in a case where a woman claimed she might have been sexually assaulted during an off-campus party.

``A review of the facts based upon the statements of the complaining witness, as well as the physical and forensic evidence collected, does not lead to the conclusion that any criminal activity occurred,'' deputy district attorney Suzanne M. Freeman wrote in a statement.

The woman, a former girlfriend of Dennis', said she was sexually assaulted but later told authorities that no force was used.

Dennis was suspended from the team Aug. 16, immediately after police investigated the incident. Officially, he was suspended for holding a party during training camp and breaking curfew. He was reinstated to the team more than a month later, for the Sept. 18 Brigham Young game.

The case further impacted Dennis because he lost his starting spot and barely has played since returning, as LenDale White and Reggie Bush shared the tailback position all season. Dennis has just 28 carries for 109 yards and said previously he would consider his options after the season. If he transfers, he would have one year of eligibility remaining.

--All-American avalanche: USC quarterback Matt Leinart, tailback Reggie Bush, linebacker Matt Grootegoed and defensive tackle Shaun Cody were named to the Associated Press All-America first team. Bush made the team as an all-purpose player. The Trojans placed more players than any other school. Defensive tackle Mike Patterson made the third team.

``It's really a tribute to the kind of season we've had,'' Leinart said. ``It just speaks volumes for our program.''

--Recruiting roll: USC has offered fewer scholarships than in past seasons because of its higher national profile, and the logic is beginning to pay off, with four commitments over the weekend.

The Trojans have 10 commitments, and five are players listed among the nation's top 75, according to Rivals.com. USC landed the No. 1 quarterback (Mark Sanchez of Mission Viejo), No. 1 weak-side defensive end (Averell Spicer of Rancho Cucamonga), No. 5 tailback (Jason Gwaltney of North Babylon, N.Y.), No. 6 cornerback (Kevin Thomas of Rio Mesa of Oxnard) and No. 2 safety (Will Harris of Charter Oak of Covina).

--Ole Miss update: Defensive line coach Ed Orgeron remains a candidate for the Mississippi job, but San Francisco 49ers coach Dennis Erickson is the leading candidate, according to some reports. Orgeron interviewed for the job Friday in Dallas.

Offensive coordinator Norm Chow appears likely to stay at USC after Brigham Young promoted assistant Bronco Mendenhall to head coach. Chow held discussions with BYU, but his interest in the position wavered.

--Time off: USC does not practice today but will hold its football banquet in Beverly Hills. The Trojans resume practice Wednesday and should have their full team available for the first time since the season ended.