USC NOTEBOOK: WRIGHT HAS PLANS IF INELIGIBLE.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

USC defensive tackle Manuel Wright will take final exams next week, but is expected to apply for the NFL's supplemental draft because he probably will not be eligible for his junior season.

Wright, who spoke with academic counselors recently, said there is a ``slight'' chance he will be eligible next season.

But Wright has also heard from at least six NFL teams interested in selecting him if he applies for the supplemental draft.

``They said I could go in the second (round) or late first,'' Wright said.

USC coach Pete Carroll said he spoke to Wright last week and Wright expressed an interest in playing for the Trojans next season. Carroll said Wright's academic status remained unclear.

However, several of Wright's close friends said he's all but set to turn pro regardless of his academic status.

``I'm just chillin' and waiting for finals,'' Wright said.

Wright said he needs to pass a minimum of 14 units to be eligible for next season. Under NCAA rules, an athlete must usually pass at least 18 of 24 units during the regular two semesters each year.

The rule prevents athletes from making up too many units during the summer.

--Academic update: Tailback LenDale White and tight end Dominique Byrd, who were suspended from spring practice for academic reasons, are currently on track to be eligible for the fall, pending final exams.

Defensive end Frostee Rucker is eligible and was never in danger of being academically ineligible. Rucker, who was injured anyway, accumulated too many negative points to participate in spring drills. But those points were for missing tutoring sessions and had nothing to do with his grades.

--Still looking: Carroll said it's unlikely USC sprinter DeSean Cunningham would be placed on a football scholarship for next season in order to add another cornerback to the roster.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com