Bum deal guys -- you may never suit up and take the field in cardinal and gold again, but you'll always be Trojans to us.

Powdrell, Tofi Terminated as Trojans [USC FanHouse]

It worked while it lasted for Ryan Powdrell -- a linebacker converted to fullback.

"We're continuing to look for a physical presence at that spot and he's tough," Trojans coach Pete Carroll said. "He understands a lot and he's picking stuff up fast."

There's no denying Thomas Williams' toughness, so as long as he can add some soft hands, giving Booty a nice option to throw to out of the backfield, he will become yet another weapon for USC.

Linebacker to play fullback [OC Register]

Or John Griffin could punch you.

Buehler, known for being one of the most cheerful personalities on the team, got punched by walk-on tailback John Griffin during the running backs meeting before practice.

The running backs are apparently assigned seats in their meeting room and when Buehler told Griffin he was sitting in his chair, the scuffle started. Witnesses said Griffin threw several punches before being restrained by teammates.

David Buehler, a kicker, was recently assigned to some running back duties because of the injuries to fullbacks Brandon Hancock, Ryan Powdrell and Stanley Havili.

It's doubtful this altercation is going to raise the slim chances of either of these guys seeing the backside of Booty anytime soon.

Never A Dull Moment [Scott Wolf inside USC]

Ryan will have surgery tomorrow. Mike Brittingham, Jody Adewale, Stanley Havili, and possibly Allen Bradford will attempt to fill Powdrell's shoes at fullback.

To Ryan -- Trojan fans everywhere will miss you this season. But no one will forget the way you left the field -- bruised and battered, but flashing a V for Victory and taking the pain like a man bad-ass. Everyone's rooting for you to make a full and speedy recovery.

Yet Another Man Down: Ryan Powdrell [The Fanhouse]
The Powdrell Injury [Conquest Chronicles]

We have updated the TrojanWire gridiron (the NEWS BY PLAYER nav) according to the latest position battles.

First we need to talk about junior offensive guard Drew Radovich because we've never even mentioned him here before. Shame on us -- not even representing a good old boy from our hometown Orange County. Drew beat out Jeff Byers to become the starting left guard this fall. Byers will likely back up Ryan Kalil at center.

Terrell Thomas is back at corner after suffering a knee injury last year against Arkansas. Kevin Thomas or Cary Harris are listed as the second corners, but we are staying with the Thomas theme.

We are leaving the 4-3 set up on D and Kyle Moore as the second defensive end, but we could change that depending on how often we see Brian Cushing.

Oscar Lua is there at MLB because he is a team captain. Rey Maualuga will eventually supplant him though.

Chris Barrett and Fili Moala were actually listed as co-starters at defensive tackle. But we can only give the nod to one guy. Sorry Fili.

Saddleback JC transfer Ryan Powdrell takes over for Brandon Hancock in the three-point stance.

But what everyone wants to know is who will be the starting tailback? While it would be much easier to fit C.J. Gable's name in there, we came up with an abbreviation for the former math major, Chauncey Washington (C. Washington). Seems only fair. The guy deserves the benefit of the doubt if he says, "I'll be good for Arkansas."

"It's a terrible thing. We've got Ryan Powdrell, Jody Adewale and Stanley Havili and maybe we can do some other things," said Coach Pete Carroll.

Hancock could redshirt another season, but this will be the second operation on his left knee, and he is a smart guy that may just focus on grad school and life beyond the football field.

In any case he'll probably be posting on his blog about his future.

Hancock Season Over [Scott Wolf inside USC]

Dennis, who started over Bush and White in 2003, was thought to be a clear-cut starter for this season.

It will be interesting to see who carries the ball this Sunday in the annual Trojan Huddle?

• Whitney Lewis
• Chauncey Washington
• Michael Coleman
• Brandon Hancock
• Ryan Powdrell
• Joey Adewale
• Stanley Havili
• Stafon "The Prince" Johnson
• Kenny Ashley
• Emmanuel Moody
• Allen Bradford

Hersel Dennis likely to miss 2006 season [USCFootball.com]

Hershel Dennis, the most likely starting tailback, injured his hamstring and sat out the practice. Petros Papadakis says while there certainly is new talent for the Trojans to tap into, Hershel Dennis is the only one who can pick up blitzes and understand the offense.

5-star recruit, and now a junior, Whitney Lewis looked good running the ball though.

Ryan Powdrell also saw some action in the backfield along with Brandon Hancock and Joey Adewale.

S Antwine Perez sported a beard and played on the first string defense. We love this guy. Look for him to make an immediate "impact".

The other freshman in attendance, but on the sidelines: RB Stafon Johnson, OL Zack Heberer, DL Alex Parsons, WR Travon Patterson, RB Kenny Ashley and DB Alfred Rowe.

Spring football report: March 21st [USCFootball.com]
Spring Football Update 3/22 [USC Trojan Football blog]
Trojans get back to work as spring practice opens [Daily Trojan]

Desmond Reed was most impressive on offense--racking up 78 yards on just 5 carries. And had a 60-yard kickoff return.

Tom Malone shined for special teams. He got two ovations for his 60-yard and 55-yard punts. Even kicking into the wind, he sailed one 50-yards.

Playing middle linebacker, Saddleback JC transfer, Ryan Powdrell, made some big hits and was very strong against the run. Linebacker Keith Rivers led everyone with 9 tackles.