USC NOTEBOOK: SOWARD'S SITUATION BLEAK.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

There's a growing feeling that USC wide receiver R. Jay Soward may not be able to play Saturday against UCLA, still bothered by his badly sprained ankle.

Soward received an anti-inflammatory injection in his ankle, but did not run as planned Tuesday because trainers wanted to take another set of X-rays. Preliminary reports detected no damage to the ankle.

Soward even told teammates Tuesday that he had seen a voodoo doctor about his ankle, which is probably better news than what was said officially.

He will try to practice today, but it's clear that if Soward manages to play, he will be less than 100 percent.

``I haven't tried to run. It's kind of hard,'' Soward said.

Matock available: Defensive tackle Marc Matock, who broke his ankle against Arizona State, has been cleared to play, but Hackett said he is reluctant to use him before the Notre Dame game.

``Remarkable,'' Hackett said of Matock's recovery. ``I don't think we'll put him in a position to play, but who knows?''

Rideaux commits: Long Beach Poly cornerback Darrell Rideaux gave USC a verbal commitment Tuesday morning. Rideaux selected USC over Notre Dame and is considered one of the best players in the country at his position. He is the defending state champion in the 100 meters and will run track at USC.