Offensive Line Positions Still Open

Establishing an offensive line remains USC’s most urgent task, especially after last year’s problems running the ball, and there are still two jobs open--center and right tackle.

Right guard Travis Claridge, a junior who has started all 23 games since he arrived at USC, anchors the line. Sophomore Brent McCaffrey has a strong grip on left tackle and junior Jason Grain has the inside track at left guard.

But the crucial opening at center is undecided. Sophomore Eric Denmon, who missed last season because of knee surgery, has mounted a serious challenge to junior Matt McShane, even though McShane is three inches taller and 25 pounds heavier than Denmon, who is 6-foot-2, 260.

“There’s a great, great battle at center,” Coach Paul Hackett said.

Seniors Ken Bowen and Rome Douglas have been unable to establish themselves at right tackle even though both have plenty of experience.

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Mike MacGillivray, a redshirt freshman, will take over for departed Jim Wren as the No. 1 punter after a solid spring, but the backup is undecided.

Officially, kicker David Bell is the backup for both kicker Adam Abrams and MacGillivray because he punted in high school. But Hackett said Sunday receiver Mike Bastianelli will also work out at punter. Bastianelli played quarterback, receiver, strong safety and kicked and punted at Concord De La Salle High, and filled in on kickoffs for USC as a freshman.

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After watching film of the scrimmage in which starter Chad Morton had negative yardage and freshmen Frank Strong, Sultan McCullough and Miguel Fletcher stood out, Hackett said Morton’s few plays were affected by some missed blocks and good defensive plays. “I’m not concerned about that,” he said. . . . Linebacker Mark Cusano has been out several days because of a sore hamstring, and Hackett said he’ll stay out a full week. “A hamstring is one week. I learned that from a very wise man, Tom Landry. It will never vary.”