Cincinnati wants former USC receiver Hazelton to play in 2009

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When receiver Vidal Hazelton decided to transfer from USC to Cincinnati, he did not expect to play until the 2010 season.

But Bearcats Coach Brian Kelly is apparently petitioning the NCAA for a waiver that would allow Hazelton to play this season.

Regardless of any NCAA decision, Hazelton will begin spring practice with the Bearcats on Tuesday. His father, Dexter, said Hazelton began classes Monday and is rooming with former Notre Dame quarterback Demetrius Jones, who transferred to Cincinnati in 2007 and is expected to work at linebacker this spring.

Hazelton was USC’s leading wide receiver in 2007, catching 50 passes. But ankle injuries and a concussion slowed the junior last season as Arkansas transfer Damian Williams emerged as the Trojans’ top receiver. Coaches denied Hazleton’s request to redshirt and he finished with only six receptions, leaving the team before the regular-season finale against UCLA.

-- Gary Klein