A major question mark loomed when USC opened spring practice last month -- and it had nothing to do with the Trojans' quarterback situation.
The competition to replace Mark Sanchez dominated the buzz before and throughout workouts, but the linebackers trying to fill the shoes of an entire NFL-bound unit also warranted scrutiny.
On Thursday, after USC completed its final practice before Saturday's spring-ending scrimmage at the Coliseum, Trojans coaches expressed delight at the play of middle linebacker Chris Galippo and outside linebackers Malcolm Smith and Michael Morgan.
The trio will replace Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava, who along with Clay Matthews gave the Trojans college football's top linebacker corps last season.
Maualuga, Cushing and Matthews are projected as first-round picks in Saturday's NFL draft. Maiava also could be a first-day pick.
Defensive coordinator Rocky Seto does not expect the Trojans to lose a step.
"Believe it or not, these guys are faster in terms of flat-out speed," Seto said.
Seto likened Galippo, a sophomore who has had two back surgeries, to former Trojans All-American Lofa Tatupu.
"He has a great feel for the passing game, directing traffic and is very vocal," Seto said.
Smith, a junior, produced several highlight-reel plays, including a 70-yard fumble return for a touchdown during the Trojans' first scrimmage.
Morgan also played well, though he did not practice Thursday because of a high-ankle sprain that is expected to keep the junior out of the scrimmage.
"We wanted to see what was going to happen with all of the guys leaving and they responded right from the get-go," Coach Pete Carroll said.
The Trojans, however, could have depth issues.
Oft-injured senior Luthur Brown, who can play all three spots, missed nearly all of spring practice because of a shoulder injury. Sophomore Jordan Campbell and senior Nick Garratt played well, but incoming freshmen Jarvis Jones, Frankie Telfort and Marquis Simmons will be expected to contribute.
"They have to play," Carroll said.
Corp's streak ends
Quarterback Aaron Corp finally had a pass intercepted when defensive lineman Jurrell Casey picked off a screen pass.
"I guess it had to happen sometime," said Corp, who had completed 13 workouts without a major error.
