Lutui Is Bidding for Job at Guard

USC’s Taitusi Lutui lost a starting job on the offensive line during spring practice, but he appears to be on track to win another one.

With Drew Radovich held out of practice Thursday afternoon because of a concussion, Coach Pete Carroll said Lutui continued his bid to become the starting left guard.

“He’s exactly what you’re looking for -- a 345-, 350-pound guard that can stay on his feet,” Carroll said. “That’s fantastic. If he can hold onto his position that would be great.”

Radovich, the front-runner to win the job coming out of spring practice, said he got hit in the head on Tuesday and had suffered headaches and temporary loss of vision for two days. He said he sat out for precautionary reasons and was scheduled to see a doctor Thursday night.

The 6-foot-6 Lutui is 40 pounds lighter than he was at the same time last year, Carroll said, and is stronger, quicker and more agile than he was in 2004 when he was listed at 370 pounds and started every game at right tackle. Junior Winston Justice, who was suspended last season, won the right tackle job during the spring, freeing Lutui to also work at guard.

“One of the things that separates him, that’s a little different than the other guys is he makes more space in the passing lanes as well as he’s a huge load coming off the ball,” Carroll said.

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Responding to criticism from Carroll, the NCAA said that it certifies prospective student-athletes in a timely manner based on documentation that is presented.

On Tuesday, Carroll said the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse was being “almost cruel” to Charles Brown and Walker Lee Ashley, incoming freshmen who could not practice because they had not received clearance from the Clearinghouse.

In an e-mail sent to “correct the record” regarding Brown and Ashley, the NCAA said “timely decisions were rendered each time new academic information became available.”

NCAA spokesman Kent Barrett said in a telephone interview, “The goal is certainly not to leave anyone hanging when we have all the information we need.” Because of privacy issues, the NCAA does not release the outcome of its determinations, Barrett said.

Brown, a 6-6, 250-pound tight end from Pomona Diamond Ranch High, received clearance Wednesday and practiced with the Trojans on Thursday.

According to the NCAA, it did not receive Brown’s final transcripts until July 14 and rendered a final determination on his status July 29. Additional academic records for Brown were submitted Tuesday and the NCAA issued a second determination Wednesday.

Ashley, a 6-5, 295-pound tackle from Minnesota, received a final determination on July 21, according to the NCAA. All applicants have the option to apply for a waiver, Barrett said.

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Running back LenDale White did not practice again because of a toe injury. Carroll said White might return today.... Freshman Kyle Moore, who had three sacks in Wednesday’s scrimmage, began working at both end spots behind starters Lawrence Jackson and Frostee Rucker.... Carroll said freshman safety Will Harris stood out when coaches reviewed film of Wednesday’s scrimmage, especially with his play on special teams. “He caught our eye and were looking for ways to see how we can fit him in,” Carroll said.