Healthy Running Backs in Short Supply

With record-setting tailbacks LenDale White and Reggie Bush on their way to the NFL, opportunity abounds for possible replacements in USC’s backfield.

Freshman tailback Michael Coleman, however, said Thursday that he would miss spring practice and would not be able to compete until fall training camp.

Coleman, who had hip surgery Wednesday, traversed campus in a motorized wheelchair.

Senior Hershel Dennis will be the Trojans’ only experienced tailback during the spring.

Dennis missed last season while recovering from knee surgery. Desmond Reed had knee surgery in November and will not return until training camp. Chauncey Washington, who was academically ineligible the last two seasons, is also ineligible to participate in spring practice.

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Flanker Steve Smith will be back for a final season, but USC’s coaching staff was awaiting word from three other draft-eligible juniors.

Sunday is the deadline for declaring for the NFL draft.

Offensive tackle Winston Justice said he would announce his decision today. Guard Fred Matua said he was still seeking information and would announce on Saturday.

Safety Darnell Bing met with Athletic Director Mike Garrett and could announce as soon as today, a source said.

Smith, who caught 60 passes for 957 yards and five touchdowns this season, said his performance suffered because he was looking ahead.

“I was thinking about the NFL, things like that, and really getting sidetracked and just not being there all the way with the team,” Smith said. “[Next season] I want to be there and not worry about any of that stuff and be there 100% with the team.”

Smith said he decided to return because the NFL evaluated him as a possible third-round draft pick. He said the departures of White and Bush would present more opportunities in 2006.

“With the absence of Thunder and Lightning there’s going to be a lot more balls and opportunities out there,” he said. “I just pretty much want to work hard and stay healthy.”

Matua said he was leaning toward turning pro but would continue to seek feedback from the NFL.

“I want to be able to make an educated decision,” he said.

Justice met Thursday with offensive line coach Pat Ruel.

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Steve Lopes, a senior associate athletic director who handles scheduling, said USC was close to finalizing a deal with ESPN that would move the date of the Trojans’ 2006 opener at Arkansas from Sept. 9 to Sept. 2.