USC NOTEBOOK: SAFETY THINKS ABOUT JOINING.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

Michigan State safety Derron Ware has contacted USC about the possibility of transferring as the Trojans open defense of their 2003 national championship today with their first practice at Howard Jones Field.

Even though USC is ranked No. 1 in the preseason coaches' poll, the Trojans roster continues to be in flux, with scholarships available for potential transfers such as Ware.

Ware, a sophomore, is listed as the No. 2 strong safety at Michigan State. He played 10 games last season and recorded 28 tackles. He is a graduate of Dorsey High in Los Angeles.

One player who won't be transferring is Ventura College receiver Chris Brewer, who did not have the necessary grades for admittance.

--Lewis out: As expected, sophomore receiver Whitney Lewis was unable to reverse a failing grade in a religion course and is ineligible for the season. Lewis will not attend courses at USC in the fall but will try to re-enroll in the spring.

``He's going to take a leave and come back,'' coach Pete Carroll said.

More surprisingly, tailback Chauncey Washington, who was supposed to redshirt, also is ineligible and will try to return to USC in the spring.

--Late arrival: Freshman receiver Fred Davis did not show up Tuesday for team meetings and told the coaches he missed his flight from Toledo, Ohio. Davis also missed a flight during spring practice.

He's expected to arrive today.

--Late addition: Defensive lineman Rashaad Goodrum of Valley College will participate in training camp. Goodrum originally signed with Washington but did not meet NCAA entrance requirements and attended junior college.

--Williams update: Although receiver Mike Williams is able to practice with the Trojans during training camp, he might miss some practices this week because he is still attending summer school, one of the conditions imposed by the NCAA before it decides whether he will be eligible.

--Time flies: USC players officially reported Tuesday, an early start to the season made necessary by the season opener against Virginia Tech on Aug. 28.

``It feels like yesterday we ended the season,'' center Ryan Kalil said.

During team meetings, Carroll didn't mention defending the national championship.

``We have to defend the title, but the coaches are just making sure we're concentrating on ourselves,'' Kalil said.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com