USC-bound Tyler tests his leg
All-American running back Marc Tyler of Westlake Village Oaks Christian passed an important milestone Monday when he ran at full speed for the first time since breaking his left leg during a playoff game last November, and his future coach, USC's Pete Carroll, was on hand to watch.
Tyler, who had a stainless steel rod surgically implanted in his leg, ran some pass patterns with Oaks Christian players during a 15-minute spring football practice workout at Oaks Christian in which Carroll dropped by to observe.
"Nothing really hurt except my hamstring," Tyler said.
Added Oaks Christian Coach Bill Redell: "Watching him, he looked 90% only because I told him not to go all out."
Tyler has been lifting weights and running while trying to build up strength in his ankle, leg and hip muscles.
He was considered one of the top running backs in the nation last season when he scored 31 touchdowns and averaged 12.2 yards per carry.
He understands he still has weeks of hard work ahead to see if he'll be ready for the real test -- getting hit -- when pads go on at USC in August.
"Obviously, I don't want to rush it," he said. "I can use the redshirt year, but I'm so competitive I want to get out there and play. I'm almost 100%, and I've got two months before camp starts. I'm hoping and believing I'll be ready."
eric.sondheimer@latimes.com
