USC NOTEBOOK: INVESTIGATION COULD WRAP UP NEXT WEEK.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

The police investigation into the alleged sexual assault currently focusing around USC running back Hershel Dennis could be completed next week, according to sources close to the situation.

Sources added the alleged victim was interviewed by police late this week. A Los Angeles police department spokesperson would not comment on the case other than acknowledge that an investigation is under way.

Dennis has still not been interviewed by police, sources said. No other USC players were contacted by police.

Dennis could not be reached for comment Friday.

The alleged victim also named three other USC players who were where the incident allegedly occurred but did not accuse them of any wrongdoing.

USC coach Pete Carroll said Dennis called him on Friday but had no news to report on the case. The chances of Dennis making the trip to the season opener at Virginia Tech are seriously in doubt, according to sources. He's officially suspended from the team indefinitely.

--Good news, bad news: Wide receiver Mike Williams' summer grades were posted a day earlier than expected Friday, but Carroll said the paperwork was not submitted to the NCAA because there are still some administrative details that need to be completed.

The paperwork will be submitted Monday or Tuesday, which makes it unlikely Williams could be cleared by the NCAA in time for the Virginia Tech game.

Perhaps anticipating a quicker decision, Williams returned from Tampa, Fla., on Thursday and was back on campus Friday sporting a newly shaved head.

--Davis to tight end: Freshman wide receiver Fred Davis asked to be switched to tight end and will play the position against Virginia Tech.

``It could be my future,'' Davis said. ``I like it a lot. I just feel like it's a better position for me. I weigh 230 pounds and I'm still growing.''

Carroll endorsed the change, especially since the Trojans have depth problems at tight end.

``It's not that big of a change for him route wise and he's been a real good blocker,'' Carroll said.

--Freshman wait: Three of the four freshmen still waiting to hear from the NCAA Clearinghouse - wide receiver Derrick Jones, tight end Eugene Germany and offensive lineman Chilo Rachal - were still waiting to be certified. Defensive end Rashaad Goodrum of Valley College was cleared Friday.

--Washington appears: Running back Chauncey Washington, who is academically ineligible, said he will attend USC this fall and take 12 units. He said he still feels pain in the ankle he fractured last season.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com