USC safety Taylor Mays made big hits and broke up several passes in the Trojans' victory over California, fueling already rampant speculation that the junior will declare for the NFL draft after the season.
But Mays, who was selected Pacific 10 Conference defensive player of the week Monday, said he was not allowing himself to think about his future and would discuss his options with his father and Coach Pete Carroll after whatever bowl game the Trojans participate in.
"Guys make a lot of plays in college and don't turn out in the NFL," said the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Mays, whose father, Stafford, played defensive end in the NFL. "I know Coach Carroll knows what he's talking about and trust what he says. It will have a big influence on my decision."
Mays and the sixth-ranked Trojans have turned their attention to Saturday's game at Stanford.
Mays intercepted a pass last season against the Cardinal at the Coliseum, but that play became an afterthought when Stanford won, 24-23, in one of the greatest upsets in college football history.
"That was a tough loss that taught us you can lose any game in college football at any time," said Mays, who then referenced the Trojans' loss to Oregon State this season.
"We kind of felt that earlier this year in Corvallis and were reminded of it. But ever since then we've tried to be on a tear."
Phantom catch?
Replays of Patrick Turner's pivotal touchdown catch against Cal appeared to show the ball hitting the ground as the 6-foot-5 receiver completed the diving reception.
USC hurriedly kicked the extra point before the play could be reviewed and possibly reversed.
Not surprisingly, the Trojans said Monday that there was no debate about the catch, though they could not help grinning when they said so.
"It's a catch. It's in the book," Turner said. "I felt like I had it. When I hit the ground it probably moved around a little bit. But it's still a touchdown."
Said Carroll: "I don't think you could tell."
Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said it was "a heck of a catch," adding "Kareem Kelly's was a great catch a few years ago too."
Kelly's phantom touchdown reception against Cal on a pass from Carson Palmer in 2002 started a Trojans' rally that helped USC overcome a 21-3 deficit en route to a 30-28 victory at the Coliseum.
Green reaction
USC players wished tailback Broderick Green well after learning he would stop practicing and transfer at the end of the semester.
