USC adds depth with freshmen Nick Perry and Curtis McNeal
USC FOOTBALL
Perry and McNeal are set to practice after clearing NCAA eligibility. The Trojans are already strong in their positions and they may redshirt.
Top-ranked USC already is regarded as perhaps the deepest team in the college football.
Today, the Trojans add even more depth -- if not for this season, then for 2009 and beyond.
Freshman defensive lineman Nick Perry and freshman running back Curtis McNeal are scheduled to practice for the first time after finally gaining certification from the NCAA late last week.
Perry, from Detroit, and McNeal, from Venice High, signed national letters of intent with the Trojans in February. Both players, however, missed training camp and the first weeks of the season while completing high school course work or testing.
On Friday, the NCAA eligibility center cleared the players and they enrolled in classes just under the deadline for admittance to USC for the fall semester.
"It's exciting for us and it's exciting for them -- it's been a long time for them in the process," Coach Pete Carroll said.
Carroll is not sure what to expect from either player this season, though it seems probable that both will redshirt.
Perry, 6 feet 3 and 240 pounds, had a Michigan state record 36 sacks last season for King High. He also played tight end for a team that won a state championship.
Perry joins a talented group of freshman defensive linemen, including end Malik Jackson and tackles Armond Armstead and Jurrell Casey -- each of whom has played this season -- as well as end Wes Horton.
McNeal, 5-8, 180 pounds, averaged 10.3 yards a carry last season and also is a threat as a kick return specialist.
gary.klein@latimes.com
