WRIGHT MAY GO PRO.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

USC defensive tackle Manuel Wright is exploring the possibility of making himself available for the NFL supplemental draft.

``I'm open to it right now,'' Wright said.

Players who are not included in the NFL's regular draft held later this month can petition the league to be eligible for a supplemental draft, which usually takes place in July. The NFL must approve the player's case before it even schedules a supplemental draft.

``Every case must be looked at individually,'' said NFL spokesperson Vince Casey.

Several sources said Wright made contact with the NFL this week about applying for the supplemental draft but Wright declined comment.

Wright meets the first league requirement for eligibility, because he has been out of high school three years. Sources said Wright would turn pro because he might not be academically eligible next season.

The 6-foot-6, 300-pound junior is being held out of spring practice because he accumulated too many negative academic points during the first three months of the spring semester. Tight end Dominique Byrd and tailback LenDale White are also out for the same reason.

``If Manny goes pro, I think we have the horses to carry on,'' defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis said. ``If he feels it's most beneficial to go into the draft, I wish him the best.

``I'm behind whatever his best option is. I wish Manny the best of luck but I hope he's out there for us.''

Ellis said Wright takes a burden off the other tackles because of his quickness and agility.

``We'd miss Manny a great deal. He's a big guy,'' Ellis said. ``He makes it easier for us when the offense has to focus on him. He'll be missed significantly.''

USC coach Pete Carroll declined comment Friday on Wright's situation.

If Wright left, it would create a void at one of USC's weakest positions. Last year's starters, Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson, were All-Americans and Wright was expected to ease their departure. Carroll has spent a significant amount of spring practice analyzing several players at tackle, including Ellis, LaJuan Ramsey and Fili Moala.

--Sartz ailing: Linebacker Dallas Sartz missed practice the past two days with a sore back but said he wants to play in Sunday's scrimmage at the Coliseum.

``It's a little tight, I tweaked it, but it's not fun sitting on the sideline and watching practice, so I'll be back,'' he said.

Without Sartz, USC moved middle linebacker Thomas Williams back to his old outside position and also uses Collin Ashton and Clay Matthews of Agoura.

--Special focus: Most of Friday's practice was spent working on special teams, in preparation for the scrimmage.

``We're making sure the special teams are ready for Sunday,'' Carroll said. ``This is a chance to play in front of people at the Coliseum. It's a big test to this point. It's a real important day for us.''

--Recruits visit: Offensive lineman Cody Pope and tailback Demetrius Sumler from University of San Diego High attended practice.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com

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MANUEL WRIGHT

Junior defensive tackle is considering applying for the NFL supplemental draft.