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Steve Bisheff writes : Tre Madden's switch from LB to RB reminds Steve Bisheff of some of the most profitable position switches in the last half-century of Trojans football.

Erik McKinney writes : Sammamish, Wash., quarterback Max Browne will decide between USC, Oklahoma, Alabama and Washington on Wednesday night.

McKinney writes : An unofficial visit to USC this weekend, along with the Los Angeles NFTC, reaffirmed USC's lofty position in the recruitment of Concord, Calif., LB Michael Hutchings.

Garry Paskwietz writes : Observations from Sunday's Los Angeles Nike Football Training Camp at Cerritos College.

Paskwietz writes: Fomer USC defensive tackle Armond Armstead will perform for scouts Wednesday at Cal State Sacramento.

Erik McKinney writes: Matt Kalil has felt comfortable and prepared for all of the events that lead up to the draft as his older brother has been through it.

Garry Paskwietz writes: USC defensive end Nick Perry is open to whatever position NFL coaches want him to play, be it defensive end or outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

WeAreSC Roundtable : WeAreSC's panel discusses its first impressions of spring practice.

Garry Paskwietz writes : Former USC DT Armond Armstead discusses his health situation and his plans for the upcoming NFL draft at USC's pro day.

Garry Paskwietz writes : A list of 40 times from USC's participants in Wednesday's pro day.

Video: Protecting Barkley's blind side: Kevin Graf discusses his new responsibilities as USC's next left tackle.

WeAreSC chat wrap: Garry Paskwietz discusses USC football with Trojans fans.

The strange college career of Armond Armstead is over — at USC and anywhere else.

The former starting Trojans defensive lineman, who sat out last season due to an undisclosed medical condition, has decided to enter the NFL draft, his father told the Orange County Register.

Guss Armstead confirmed that his son has hired an agent and will participate in some portion of USC’s pro day Wednesday. Guss Armstead referred further questions to the agent, Carter Chow, who did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Because he graduated in December, Armond Armstead will be eligible for April’s NFL draft, a league spokesman said.

Armstead started for two seasons, playing both end and tackle, and had 59 tackles, including 10.5 for losses (with two sacks) in 17 career starts. He missed spring practices in 2011 with a medical condition that was never made public. Further, there was some difference of opinion over the severity of the condition between USC officials and the Armstead family.

That disagreement is largely why his brother, touted 2012 prep lineman Arik Armstead, de-committed from USC and ended up at Oregon.

There was a lot of talk during recruiting, in fact, about the two being a package deal, but transfer rules — Pac-12 as well as NCAA — made that difficult to work out.

As for Armstead's NFL prospects, that should be interesting. He was certainly an NFL prospect before his medical issue was diagnosed. And USC fans might recall that at least one Trojans transfer who wasn't cleared medically to play at USC is doing pretty darn well.

But Armstead has missed a year of action and will have to prove to NFL scouts he's good to go. If he does that, it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up getting picked late in the draft. At the very least, he'll have plenty of free-agent suitors.

Arik Armstead, a 6-foot-7, 280-pound offensive tackle from Elk Grove, Calif., who is one of the nation's top recruits, has rescinded his commitment to USC, according to ESPN.com's Greg Biggins.

Armstead, the top-ranked player in the West in the ESPNU 150, said he'll still consider the Trojans but is now wide open to other colleges.

Armstead is the younger brother of Trojans defensive lineman Armond Armstead, who is sitting out this season with an undisclosed medical condition, a situation that has become a bit of a soap opera.

Wrote Biggins: "Armstead wouldn't get into specifics of why he changed his mind, but he did say that 'my family has been a little disappointed with some things going on at USC.'"

USC has asked the elder Armstead to redshirt, and part of the selling point on that was a chance for him to play with his younger brother. But it's not certain that the elder Armstead will stay at USC -- he could transfer or declare for the NFL draft.

Where might Arik Armstead be looking? A couple of Pac-12 schools are in his mix, but it's notable where he will be this weekend.

"I have my visit to Notre Dame this weekend and I'm visiting Alabama (Nov. 4)," he said. "I'm also looking at Cal, Washington and Michigan for my last few visits, but I think after word gets out that I've de-committed, I think a few more schools will come calling as well and I'm definitely open to that."

That means Armstead will be standing on the sideline opposite USC, which visits Notre Dame on Saturday. Probably not a good sign for the Trojans.

You know what the real tragedy about all this is? I'm not even supposed to be here today!

• Arizona's search for a new head coach will be different. What is Mike Bellotti thinking? George Schroeder checks in with the former Oregon coach.
• Arizona State and Oregon will both be playing at ludicrous speed.
• California wide receiver Keenan Allen is ready to face off with USC wideout Robert Woods.
• Colorado competes with Washington off the field, too. Coach Jon Embree likes big running backs.
• When Oregon running back LaMichael James might return is murky, but there's reason to believe sooner rather than later. And it appears linebacker Michael Clay will be back, which is a big boost for the D.
• Things have been uncertain at running back for Oregon State this season. The defense has improved.
• Second-half preview for Stanford. Quarterback Andrew Luck needs to be loud.
• UCLA's got a new backup QB, and true freshman Brett Hundley is likely -- and eager -- to play. An injury report.
• USC D-lineman Armond Armstead, who is redshirting due to a health issue, still hasn't decided what's next. Matt Barkley wants more than passing numbers.
• The Pac-12 grind has revealed some of Utah's shortcomings. Quarterback Jon Hays is eager to prove himself.
• The Kearse brothers make plays, history for Washington.
• Washington State has a fight on its hands against Stanford. Some Cougars notes.

Happy Friday.

• Arizona cornerback Shaquille Richardson is trying to develop a short memory and thick skin. Wide receiver David Douglas waits his turn.
• Arizona State gets ready for another dual-threat quarterback. A scouting report.
• California coach Jeff Tedford moves toward a landmark. A practice update, including defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast talking about the defense, which got beaten up by Colorado.
• Colorado believes it will have its hands full with Colorado State. It didn't take long for Paul Richardson to announce himself as an elite wide receiver.
• The injury to Oregon linebacker Michael Clay, who looks very day-to-day, thins the Ducks' linebacker depth. O-lineman Carson York is a good player and a smart guy.
• Should Oregon State redshirt James Rodgers? Here's a column that says yes.
• Stanford's pass defense, which hasn't been great, gets ready for Arizona quarterback Nick Foles. This is the Cardinal's first big test.
• UCLA's Derrick Coleman isn't fancy but he's effective. It appears Kevin Prince will start at quarterback.
• A final decision on USC D-lineman Armond Armstead's status should come shortly. A true freshman is expected to start on the O-line.
• Does BYU have an edge over Utah? Does the rivalry need to cool down?
• Washington's receivers, shut down by Nebraska in the previous two meetings, are hoping for redemption. Some practice notes.
• Washington State linebacker C.J. Mizell has grown up as a player and person. The Cougars' starting center is doubtful at San Diego State.

The ninth of 12 quick updates on offseason Pac-12 goings on.

USC in a sentence

• The Trojans won't be eligible for the postseason because of NCAA sanctions, so the big question is how consistently motivated a team that is talented enough to win 10 games this season will be.

The big issue

• USC is loaded at the skill positions, with quarterback Matt Barkley leading a young but talented supporting cast, but the season likely swings on the play of the offensive line and linebackers, positions that are both questionable and thin.

Quick hit news

• Starting defensive tackle Armond Armstead, who missed spring practices due to an undisclosed medical condition, still hasn't been cleared to play but he told reporters he expect to be cleared before the season starts.
• Starting running back Marc Tyler is on indefinite suspension -- he definitely will sit out the season opener. He was suspended after saying stupid things to a TMZ reporter with a video camera, but his status is even more precarious because he is awaiting a ruling from the school's disciplinary committee on a pair of alcohol-related incidents from last year.
• Coach Lane Kiffin said over the weekend that junior Curtis McNeal, who was academically ineligible last season, leads the tailback competition.
• USC's backup quarterback, redshirt freshman Jesse Scroggins, is out indefinitely after suffering a thumb injury. True freshmen Cody Kessler and Max Wittek are competing to be Barkley's backup.
• USC has only one new assistant coach: receivers coach Ted Gilmore. He replaced John Morton, who left for the San Francisco 49ers.
• While the Trojans have 13 starters back, only 39 players on the roster saw action in 2010. 70 players on the 109-man roster have never played a down of college football. Only 14 Trojans have started at least 10 games.
• For the first time since 2000, USC plays seven home games, including the first three in the Coliseum.
• There are 35 scholarship players now practicing who didn't participate in spring drills: 23 new recruits and 12 returning players who were out because of injuries. The Trojans presently have 79 scholarship players. They can only sign 15 players this recruiting season because of NCAA sanctions and can have no more than 75 total scholarship players in 2012.
• USC outscored foes in each of the first three quarters last season but was outscored 118-72 in the fourth quarter.
• USC is in the process of constructing the $70 million John McKay Center, a 110,000-square foot building that will house the football offices, an academic center, weight room, athletic training room and digital media production.

Happy Friday.

• Talking about Arizona's special teams -- was that Juron Criner catching punts? Texas transfer WR Dan Buckner keeps things loose.
• Another day, another injury for Arizona State as LB Oliver Aaron sprains his ankle. Another commitment.
• Previewing California's secondary. A look at five important big-picture issues.
• Colorado coach Jon Embree is pleased with the early practice returns. No regrets for O-lineman Ryan Miller. It's fair to say this guy won't be playing for Colorado again.
• Meet the big man in the middle of Oregon's defensive line. What about the linebackers?
• A healthy James Rodgers would be HUGE for Oregon State. Have the Beavers found a defensive end? Some notes.
• A preview of Stanford's receivers, who are a big question.
• A couple of UCLA newcomers to watch.
• The inside story on why Lane Kiffin's son is named "Knox." Kiffin says the Trojans look bigger, faster and stronger. Some potential good news on D-lineman Armond Armstead.
• Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn knows it's his time to step up. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, linebacker Brian Blechen probably doesn't think this is funny.
• Washington's No. 4 most important player.
• Some notes from a Paul Wulff news conference.
• California is going after unscrupulous agents.

The first official football gathering of the new Pac-12 -- media day -- will be held on July 26 in Los Angeles. It will feature all 12 coaches, and each team brings along a star player.

Hmm. I wonder what reporters will ask Oregon coach Chip Kelly about?

I don't wonder what his answers will be: Some form of "no comment," though the exact phrasing might include some chippy Chipperism that we've all grown to love.

But even with those no comments, there will be plenty to talk about -- with Kelly and all the other coaches.

Do you have questions you want asked? Feel free to send them along. Or comment below.

Here a list of who will be there and what we're interested in asking.

Arizona
Quarterback Nick Foles and coach Mike Stoops

Top questions: While the rebuilding of both lines is a prime issue, Wildcats fans will want an update on receiver Juron Criner's health from Mike Stoops. And they will want to know about 2010's late-season slide.

Arizona State
Quarterback Brock Osweiler and coach Dennis Erickson

Top questions: Are the Sun Devils ready to play as the favorites in the Pac-12 South? And is there any chance cornerback Omar Bolden plays this fall?

California
Receiver Marvin Jones and coach Jeff Tedford

Top questions: Is Zach Maynard the man to restore Tedford's reputation as a developer of QBs? How does Tedford feel about growing fan discontent?

Colorado
Quarterback Tyler Hansen and coach Jon Embree

Top questions: Does it feel different heading into the season as a member of the Pac-12 instead of the Big 12? What went wrong under Dan Hawkins that's going to go right under Embree?

Oregon
Tight end David Paulson and coach Chip Kelly

Top questions: Er, any comment on Willie Lyles? What about those rebuilt offensive and defensive lines? What's up with suspended cornerback Cliff Harris and linebacker Kiko Alonso?

Oregon State
Safety Lance Mitchell and coach Mike Riley

Top questions: What went wrong last year? How's James Rodgers knee doing? And about those lines...

Stanford
Quarterback Andrew Luck and coach David Shaw

Top questions: Does it feel different to be a frontrunner rather than a darkhorse? What's going to be different under Shaw compared to Jim Harbaugh? What about holes at receiver and on both lines?

UCLA
Running back Johnathan Franklin and coach Rick Neuheisel

Top questions: Is this a win or else season for Neuheisel? What's going to happen at quarterback? What's the status of O-lineman Jeff Baca (broken ankle)?

USC
Quarterback Matt Barkley and coach Lane Kiffin

Top questions: What's the approach with no postseason as a motivation? Injury update, please! What about the depth on the O-line and LB? And is Armond Armstead going to play in 2011?

Utah
Offensive tackle Tony Bergstrom and coach Kyle Whittingham

Top questions: Do the Utes think they will become an immediate contender in the Pac-12 South race? Is quarterback Jordan Wynn 100 percent and back to his old self after shoulder surgery?

Washington
Running back Chris Polk and coach Steve Sarkisian

Top questions: What's the offense going to look like post-Jake Locker? What's the pecking order at linebacker? What does the bowl victory mean about the state of the program?

Washington State
Receiver Jared Karstetter and coach Paul Wulff

Top questions: Is this a win or else season for Wulff? Will the defense improve enough to support what should be a good offense? How good can quarterback Jeff Tuel be?

No team in the Pac-12 wows you at defensive tackle. No team is a sure thing. There is a lot of "maybe" at the position. And probably some maybe not.

The uncertainty of quality -- both in terms of returning stars and depth -- made this a difficult position to rank. For example, Washington has a nice foursome at tackle, led by Alameda Ta'amu, who might be the best tackle in the conference.

That's great. Good for the Huskies. But they ranked 97th in the country in run defense last year. You sort of pause over that, you know?

So a lot of this ranking is feel thing, a projection of potential. And "great shape" here is relative to the conference. Nebraska, for example, wouldn't exchange its tackles -- Jared Crick and Baker Steinkuhler -- for any Pac-12 tandem.

Some of this figures to inspire a bit of debate.

Great shape

USC: This may be in some part based on fumes from the Trojans reputation at the position. It definitely includes a vote of faith that they will get a 100 percent Christian Tupou back from the knee injury that killed his 2010 season. If so, the threesome of Tupou, George Uko and DaJohn Harris is strong. And if you toss in Armond Armstead -- who missed spring with an undisclosed medical condition that threatens his career -- you'd have a clear No. 1.

Washington: Ta'amu seemed to find himself during the second half of last year, and the 330-pounder could end up getting some All-American consideration if he consistently plays like he did against Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl. Sione Potoa'e and Semisi Tokolahi are both experienced, and Lawrence Lagafuaina a space-grabbing, 344-pound redshirt freshman.

Colorado: The Buffaloes are sneaky good here, even though they only ranked 48th in the nation in run defense in 2010. Both starters, Will Pericak and Curtis Cunningham, are back, but Conrad Obi was a revelation this spring. He looked like a future NFL draft choice, not a player who'd mostly been a bust. Nate Bonsu, who missed spring with a knee injury, also should help.

Good shape

Utah: The Utes, who ranked 11th in the nation in run defense in 2010, lost Sealver Siliga, but they believe they have a budding star in, er, Star Lotulelei, while James Aiono, LT Tuipulotu and Joape Peta are solid. Also, Dave Kruger, who played end this spring, is 280 pounds and can play inside.

Arizona: The loss of backup Willie Mobley to a knee injury hurts depth, but Justin Washington figures to take a step forward after an impressive true freshman season, Sione Tuihalamaka started four games in 2010. Depth is a question. The Wildcats ranked 33rd in the nation in run defense last fall.

Oregon: On the one hand, Oregon lost both starting defensive tackles in Brandon Bair and Zac Clark from a unit that ranked 27th in the nation in run defense. On the other, they played so many guys last fall, the new starters are experienced players. Further, Ricky Heimuli, Taylor Hart, Wade Keliikipi, Isaac Remington and Jared Ebert played well enough this spring to suggest the position will be a strength in the fall.

Arizona State: If Lawrence Guy didn't make his ill-fated decision to enter the NFL draft, the Sun Devils, who were 16th in the nation against the run last fall, would be in great shape here. As it was, Will Sutton had a great spring and looks like a potential All-Conference guy. Grinder Bo Moos is listed as the starter at the other tackle, though he could be eclipsed by Corey Adams. Toa Tuitea saw limited action last year.

UCLA: The Bruins defensive line was terrible last year, ranking 108th in the nation against the run, but the talent is there for a significant turnaround. Cassius Marsh, Nate Chandler, Justin Edison, Donovan Carter and Seali'i Epenesa should do a much better job plugging the middle.

California: Cal is actually fine here, despite the loss of NG Derrick Hill. For one, when you run a 3-4 defense, it's hard to rate your DTs, even if your DEs often operate like them. The Bears have two solid options at NG in Aaron Tipoti and Kendrick Payne, and it's also possible that touted 350-pound incoming freshman Viliami Moala will eclipse both of them.

We'll see

Oregon State: Dominic Glover moves inside from end and Kevin Frahm has experience, but this unit didn't play well last year -- 89th in run defense -- even with one of the best DTs in the nation in Stephen Paea. 340-pound Castro Masaniai could help but he missed spring after shoulder surgery and has off-field issues. There's also Mana Tuivailala and Ben Motter.

Stanford: Like Cal, Stanford runs a 3-4, so it naturally it is going to suffer a bit in DT rankings. More important: The loss of Sione Fua is significant. Terrence Stephens and Henry Anderson had solid springs but neither has much experience.

Washington State: Brandon Rankin, a returning starter, was listed No. 2 on the depth chart behind Anthony Laurenzi after spring practices, with redshirt freshman Toni Pole No. 1 at the other tackle. Justin Clayton, Steven Hoffart and Xavier Cooper provide depth. It's not unreasonable for Cougars fans to expect improvement, perhaps significant improvement. But a team that ranked 115th in the nation in run defense the previous season is automatically a "We'll see" here.

The 2011 NFL draft is over, which means it's time to look at who the Pac-12's top senior prospects in 2012 likely will be.

First of all, plenty of top non-seniors from the conference might -- or are likely to -- enter the draft, including Stanford QB Andrew Luck, Oregon RB LaMichael James, Arizona State LB Vontaze Burfict and USC QB Matt Barkley. Those four range from sure to likely first-round draft picks.

But this list includes only players in their final year of eligibility. And some might rate a bit of a reach as NFL prospects.

Arizona: QB Nick Foles, WR Juron Criner, CB Trevin Wade

Arizona State: CB Omar Bolden, DE James Brooks, C Garth Gerhart

California: S Sean Cattouse, TE Anthony Miller, LB Mychal Kendricks, LB D.J. Holt, OT Mitchell Schwartz, P Bryan Anger

Colorado: OG Ryan Miller, RB Rodney Stewart, DT Conrad Obi, TE Ryan Deehan

Oregon: TE David Paulson, SS Eddie Pleasant, OT Mark Asper, LB Josh Kaddu

Oregon State: S Lance Mitchell, WR James Rodgers, FB-TE Joe Halahuni

Stanford: WR Chris Owusu, TE Coby Fleenor, S Delano Howell

UCLA: S Tony Dye, FB Derrick Coleman, TE Cory Harkey

USC: LB Chris Galippo, DE Armond Armstead, TE Rhett Ellison, RB Marc Tyler

Utah: OT Tony Bergstrom, LB Chaz Walker, OT John Cullen

Washington: DT Alameda Ta'amu, WR Jermaine Kearse, OT Senio Kelemete, K Erik Folk

Washington State: DT Brandon Rankin, OG B.J. Guerra, WR Jared Karstetter

Since 12 USC players expected to be on the 2011 two-deep missed all or much of spring practices, coach Lane Kiffin seemed torn on whether to release a depth chart after the session concluded Saturday, thereby irritating Trojans beat writers who view the release of a depth chart as a rite of spring.

Ah, but here it is. You might notice a number of "or"s on the chart, which means this is only a hint of a pecking order.

Couple of thoughts.

• You'll note freshmen are listed under the returning players. Count on several of them, particularly on the O-line, moving up quickly. Fair to say that three spots on the line are wide-open.
• It's notable that there's still an "Or" between backup quarterback Jesse Scroggins and the two freshmen, Max Wittek and Cody Kessler, who arrived early and participated in spring practices. Not a huge surprise, but it shows that Kiffin hasn't made a final decision on Matt Barkley's backup.
• Senior Brandon Carswell is listed as the starting receiver opposite Robert Woods. He'll have to fight off Kyle Prater and incoming freshman George Farmer in the fall.
• "Or"s separate the top-four tailbacks: Curtis McNeal, Marc Tyler, D.J. Morgan and Dillon Baxter, though Tyler is listed in bold caps. So stay tuned, I guess.
• Wes Horton and Nick Perry are listed as the No. 1 defensive ends. Christian Tupou and George Uko are No. 1 at defensive tackle, which seems like a minor tweak on returning starter DaJohn Harris, who was inconsistent this spring. Tupou started in 2009 but missed all of last season and spring practices with a knee injury and Uko is a redshirt freshman.
• Armond Armstead is listed No. 2 at defensive tackle behind Uko. He missed spring with an undisclosed medical condition and his status is uncertain. He mostly played at the end of last year.
• Devon Kennard is No. 1 at middle linebacker and Chris Galippo is No. 1 at weakside LB. Both missed spring. An "or" separates Marquis Simmons and Dion Bailey on the strongside.
• There's an "or" between Tony Burnett and Torin Harris at the corner opposite Nickell Robey. There is not one at strong safety between Marshall Jones and Demetrius Wright, so Jones heads into the fall as the starter. Jawanza Starling and Drew McAllister are listed as T.J. McDonald's backups at free safety.

LOS ANGELES -- One of the coachspeak quotes that often raises an eyebrow from the media is the ole, "We're young" declaration. Sometimes it's true, of course. But even so, it seems like a ready-made excuse.

But when USC coach Lane Kiffin throws it out -- "We're going to be extremely young" -- he recites numbers that back him up.

The Trojans have just 12 scholarship seniors and 14 scholarship juniors, he said. Further, 12 players on the two-deep sat out spring practices. Eight players who did participate this spring are early enrollees from this February's recruiting class. In the fall, 23 first-year players arrive.

That means 35 players who aren't participating this spring will be new to competition for playing time during preseason camp. In other words, the USC you saw -- or read about -- this spring isn't really going to be the USC that shows up this fall.

At least, that's the hope for Kiffin, because things were far from pretty -- particularly on offense -- this spring.

Some notes.

• It's difficult to judge quarterback Matt Barkley this spring because his supporting cast was so thin. Kiffin mostly lauded his leadership, and the general feeling is that Barkley and receiver Robert Woods are going to light things up this fall. As for quarterback depth, it seems redshirt freshman Jesse Scroggins took the lead for the backup role over touted true freshmen Max Wittek and Cody Kessler. Kessler seemed slightly more polished than Wittek this spring.
• The depth looks strong at running back, even if Marc Tyler can't stay healthy. Dillon Baxter, D.J. Morgan and Curtis McNeil each had their moments. Morgan is intriguing but "still very raw," said Kiffin, who added that McNeil, who was academically ineligible last season, "actually outperformed all those guys." The fullback is Soma Vainuku, a freshman.
• The receiving corps is going to be long on potential and short on experience. Woods often looks like a budding All-American. Said Kiffin: "Robert Woods has really taken his game to the next level. It's hard to imagine he's only in his second semester." If Kyle Prater can stay healthy, he also has all-star potential. Brandon Carswell, De'Von Flournoy and Markeith Ambles -- who's struggled to stay out of the doghouse because of discipline issues -- provide uncertain depth. It's almost certain that incoming freshmen, including the celebrated tandem of George Farmer and Victor Blackwell, will get immediate looks.
• Rhett Ellison has had a good spring and is getting looks at both tight end and fullback. Xavier Grimble, Christian Thomas and Brandall Telfair also are in the tight end mix, with each bringing different skills to the position.
• The offensive line? Huge question mark. The only certainty is Matt Kalil at left tackle. Khaled Holmes started at guard last season and is expected to start at center this fall, but he didn't do contact work this spring. Kevin Graf probably fits in somewhere. There really wasn't a second unit of scholarship players this spring. Incoming freshmen Cyrus Hobbi and Aundrey Walker will get serious looks in the fall. Former coach Pete Carroll was an outstanding recruiter, but he fell short recruiting offensive linemen over his final few seasons.
• Andre Heidari, the No. 1 prep kicker in the nation last year, has looked solid this spring. The hope is incoming freshman Kristopher Albarado will win the punting job.
• The big question on the defensive line is the uncertain health of Armond Armstead. An undisclosed health issue prevented him from practicing and his future is uncertain. Said Kiffin, "That's big. He really came on at the end of the year. We'll know more this summer." With him, the Trojans' defensive line could be elite. Without him, it still could be pretty good. Junior end Nick Perry, if he can stay healthy, will become an NFL prospect. He was clocked at 4.6 in the 40 at 250 pounds. Said Kiffin, "He's everything you want. He's an NFL dream, height, weight, speed, jumping." Redshirt freshman defensive tackle George Uko has made the most gains this spring. End Wes Horton and tackle DaJohn Harris have experience, as does tackle Christian Tupou, who should return from a knee injury that killed his 2010 season.
• The likely starting linebackers -- Chris Galippo, Devon Kennard and Shane Horton -- sat out with injuries. Things are thin behind them, though redshirt freshman Hayes Pullard "has played extremely well," according to Kiffin. This is another position where incoming freshmen -- Lamar Dawson? Tre Madden? -- could make an impact.
• Cornerback Nickell Robey has had and outstanding spring, and safety T.J. McDonald is a budding star. There's less certainty at the other two spots, though Anthony Burnett appears to have caught Kiffin's eye at the other corner. Jawanza Starling, Drew McAllister, Demetrius Wright and Marshall Jones are competing at the other safety. Dion Baily is getting a look at a "nickel linebacker."

I was out of pocket Thursday and Friday on family business, so I missed a couple of things.

Unfortunately, most of the news was injury related.

• Arizona free safety Adam Hall, a budding star, tore the ACL in his right knee and could be out for as long as seven months.
• Two projected Arizona State starters -- All-Pac-10 cornerback Omar Bolden and receiver T.J. Simpson -- suffered knee injuries. The severity of both injuries has not yet been reported, though there are serious concerns for Simpson.
• UCLA's projected starting offensive tackle, Jeff Baca, broke his ankle and it's unclear whether he will be ready for fall practice. The Bruins -- and coach Rick Neuheisel -- have struggled with injury woes the past three seasons. Seems like they're due a break. (Maybe that's not the right word choice here.)
• Oregon State RB Jordan Jenkins is out for the rest of spring because of a shoulder injury.
• USC DE Armond Armstead takes a step toward getting back on the field (though probably not this spring).

On Friday, we looked at offensive three-headed monsters -- the best quarterback, running back, wide receiver troikas -- so it also makes sense to also look at their defensive counterparts, the best threesomes from each of the three levels of defense: defensive line, linebacker and defensive back.

Here's the tally from last season, if you are interested.

1. Arizona State

DE Junior Onyeali, LB Vontaze Burfict, CB Omar Bolden

The Skinny: No question on No. 1 here. Onyeali was the Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year. Burfict is the nation's best inside linebacker. Bolden was unanimous first-team All-Pac-10.

2. Stanford

DE Matt Masifilo, LB Shayne Skov, SS Delano Howell

The Skinny: Masifilo, the lone returning starter on the Cardinal defensive line, was honorable mention All-Pac-10, as was Skov, who was playing as well as any linebacker in the conference over the final third of the season. Howell was second-team All-Pac-10.

3. California

DE Trevor Guyton, LB Mychal Kendricks, S Sean Cattouse

The Skinny: Guyton had 8.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks despite being a part-time starter. Kendricks was second-team All-Pac-10. Cattouse earned honorable mention.

4. Oregon

DE Terrell Turner, LB Josh Kaddu, CB Cliff Harris

The Skinny: Two solid returning starters and a second-team All-Pac-10 cornerback who figures to be a preseason All-American after earning second-team honors from the Associated Press and Walter Camp Football Foundation in 2010.

5. Washington:

DT Alameda Ta'amu, LB Cort Dennison, FS Nate Fellner

The Skinny: Ta'amu earned honorable mention All-Conference honors and seemed to find himself over the latter half of the season. Dennison had 93 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss and two interceptions. Fellner tied for second in the conference with five interceptions.

6. Arizona

DT Justin Washington, LB Paul Vassallo, CB Trevin Wade

The Skinny: Washington's numbers fell off when he got banged up, but he still had 11.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks as a redshirt freshman. Vassallo was honorable mention All-Conference. Wade had an off year last fall, but was second-team All-Pac-10 in 2009.

7. USC

DE Armond Armstead, LB Chris Galippo, FS T.J. McDonald

The Skinny: This actually could be one of the best threesomes in the conference, but Armstead and Galippo have injury issues and only put up middling numbers last fall. McDonald was second-team All-Pac-10 in 2010.

8. Washington State

DE Travis Long, LB Alex Hoffman-Ellis, SS Deone Bucannon

The Skinny: Long was honorable mention All-Conference, Bucannon, who started as a true freshman, and Hoffman-Ellis were the Cougars' top two tackles in 2010.

9. UCLA

DE Datone Jones, LB Patrick Larimore, SS Tony Dye

The Skinny: A solid threesome that is down here more because it gets an "incomplete." Jones missed all of last season with a foot injury, but, if healthy, he's an All-Conference sort. Larimore was solid in seven games before suffering a shoulder injury. Dye led the Bruins in tackles and earned honorable mention All-Pac-10.

10. Colorado

NG Will Pericak, LB Jon Major, FS Ray Polk

The Skinny: Pericak earned honorable mention All-Big 12. Major was the Buffaloes leading tackler before he blew out his knee in Game 7 (a knee injury also killed the junior's true freshman season). Polk was the second-leading tackler.

11. Utah

DE Derrick Shelby, LB Chaz Walker, CB Conroy Black

The Skinny: Honestly don't know how to rank the Utes here. Shelby and Walker are returning starters -- Walker earned second-team All-Mountain West honors. Black was the top backup cornerback last season. But Star Lotulelei might be the Utes' best defensive lineman, and Brian Blechen has moved from strong safety, where he was very good, to linebacker. How highly do the Utes think of him? They list him as an All-American candidate.

12. Oregon State

DE Dominic Glover, LB Rueben Robinson, S Lance Mitchell

The Skinny: Three returning starters, but none of them even earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors. Mitchell was the Beavers' third-leading tackler, Glover had 2.5 sacks, and Robinson split time with Tony Wilson.