Almost Consensus for Claiborne

Linebacker Chris Claiborne was named to two first-team All-American teams Wednesday, putting him well on his way to becoming the Trojans’ 61st consensus All-American and first since Keyshawn Johnson in 1995.

Claiborne, a finalist for the Butkus Award, was named to the Football Writers Assn. of America and Walter Camp teams, and needs only one more to qualify as consensus by being named to three of the six teams recognized by the NCAA.

Johnson was the 21st unanimous All-American in USC history.

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USC would love to hang onto Claiborne for his senior year, but it looks as if it’s going to be difficult.

“I’ll set a press conference soon. It’s winding down. I’m kind of knowing what I’m going to do, but I can’t tell you guys,” Claiborne said. “My family is starting to understand the situation. I’ve got another game to play. Let’s win this game. I probably won’t say anything until after the bowl game.”

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Mark Cusano, the Trojans’ Notre Dame killer the past two years, will get an unanticipated start against the Irish, filling in for David Gibson.

Gibson is expected to play, but tried to practice Wednesday and couldn’t.

“It’s not too good. I tried to go and it’s not ready,” Gibson said of his bruised thigh. “It could be a game-time decision.”

In another move, with defensive tackle Ennis Davis bothered by a sprained foot, there’s a chance Marc Matock will start for the first time since breaking his ankle against Arizona State.

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USC will practice this morning from 10:30 until noon before breaking for Thanksgiving until Friday afternoon. “We’ve got to rest and regroup and come back focused,” Coach Paul Hackett said.