College Football
Pac-10 preview: No. 1 USC Trojans

G. HALVERSON / GETTY Trojans sophomore Reggie Bush brings versatility to the offense.

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2003: 12-1 (7-1 in Pac-10, national AP title).

Coach: Pete Carroll (fourth year, 30-9).

What's to like: What's not to like? Trojans QB Matt Leinart was sensational last year (38 TDs, nine INTs). Versatile RB-KR Reggie Bush is one of the nation's most dynamic players. The defensive line, led by Shaun Cody and Michael Patterson, is still nasty. Lofa Tatupu and Matt Grootegoed are high-quality LBs.

Up in the air: Leinart must operate behind a rebuilt offensive line.

Impact newcomer: Freshman WR Dwayne Jarrett is one of several ultra-gifted newbies at his position.

Key performer: With significant attrition at receiver, Steve Smith must be a go-to guy.

Stud student: QB Brandon Hance, 3.47 GPA in music industry, has interned at several Los Angeles talent and management agencies.

Bottom line: Unanimous media pick to win the conference, the Trojans are also consensus choice as preseason national No. 1. Development of the OL and CBs (each a new starter) will determine how far Trojans go.

Offense
Pos.	Player	Yr.	Comment
SE	Chris McFoy	So.	Stepping into Mike Williams' role
LT	Sam Baker	Fr.	Redshirted last season
LG	John Drake	Sr.	Missed spring practice with ankle injury
C	Ryan Kalil	So.	Saw brief action in six games
RG	Fred Matua	So.	Started eight games as a freshman
RT	Taitusi Lutui	Jr.	Transfer from Snow JC
TE	Alex Holmes	Sr.	Back injury cost him 2003 season
FL	Steve Smith	So.	Caught four for 68 yards vs. Virginia Tech
QB	Matt Leinart	Jr.	Threw for 3,556 yards, 38 TDs last year
FB	Lee Webb	Sr.	Also saw time on special teams
RB	LenDale White	So.	Ran for 78 yards against Virginia Tech
K	Ryan Killeen	Sr.	Was 19 of 24 on field goals
Defense
Pos	Player	Yr	Comment
DE	Frostee Rucker	Jr.	Started 5 games for injured Omar Nazel
NT	Mike Patterson	Sr.	Made four tackles for loss in opener
DT	Shaun Cody	Sr.	First-team all-Pac-10, third-team A-A
DE	Lawrence Jackson	Fr.	Redshirted last season
LB	Dallas Sartz	Jr.	Started 6 games for injured Grootegoed
MLB	Lofa Tatupu	Jr.	Led team with 98 tackles, with 11-1/2 for loss
WLB	Matt Grootegoed	Sr.	Moves to weak side after 3 years at SLB
CB	Justin Wyatt	Jr.	Split playing time at wide receiver in '03
SS	Darnell Bing	So.	Started all 13 games as true freshman
FS	Jason Leach	Sr.	Was second on team with 88 tackles
CB	Ronald Nunn	Sr.	Suffered broken eye socket vs. UW
P	Tom Malone	Jr.	Set school record with 49.0 average

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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