Four on Offense Get AFCA Honor

USC’s offense, which has generated some big numbers this season, did it again Thursday when four offensive players were announced as part of the American Football Coaches Assn. All-America team.

Senior quarterback Matt Leinart, junior running back Reggie Bush, sophomore receiver Dwayne Jarrett and senior offensive lineman Taitusi Lutui were voted onto the team by coaches who represent nine regions. Leinart and Bush are repeat selections to the AFCA team.

It is only the second time in USC history, and the first time since 1931, that the Trojans have placed four offensive players on an All-America team.

Leinart, the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner, became USC’s second three-time All-American, joining linebacker Richard Wood (1972 to ‘74). Leinart has passed for 3,217 yards and 24 touchdowns. On Wednesday, he was named the winner of the Johnny Unitas award, presented annually to the nation’s top senior quarterback.

Bush, a Heisman finalist in 2004, is regarded by many as the favorite to win college football’s most prestigious award this year.

Jarrett, a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, has caught 75 passes for 1,070 yards and 14 touchdowns.

“Things are coming faster than I expected,� said Jarrett, who joined Mike Williams as the only Trojan sophomore receivers to earn All-America status.

Lutui, a senior, transferred to USC in 2004 from Snow College in Utah. With Winston Justice suspended last season, Lutui started every game at right tackle.

Justice returned for spring practice and won back his position, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Lutui, who was in the process of reducing his weight from 395 pounds to about 355. The coaching staff moved Lutui to left guard in the fall.

“It’s exciting to see a guy get a chance to come out of a junior college and in two years time start in every game for us and take it all the way to All-American recognition,� Coach Pete Carroll said.

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Running back LenDale White went through practice again without contact and said he would play Saturday against 11th-ranked UCLA. “I’m ready to go,� said White, who is nursing a left shoulder bruise.... Rain was forecast for Thursday night, so a tarp was placed over the field at the Coliseum, a USC official said.