Friday, April 07, 2006

Trojans Lose Dennis for Season


USC’s once full stable of running backs is now surprisingly empty. Desmond Reed and Michael Coleman, who both played as backups last season, are recovering from operations. Chauncy Washington, who has been academically ineligible the past two seasons and isn't participating in spring practice and Hershel Dennis, who entered spring practice No. 1 on the depth chart, has torn ligaments in his left knee and is expected to miss the 2006 season.

Dennis started every game as a sophomore in 2003 -- ahead of then-freshmen Reggie Bush and LenDale White.

Dennis tore ligaments in the same knee in December 2004 and sat out last season. USC coach Pete Carroll said after practice Thursday that the school would look into applying for a sixth year of eligibility for Dennis.