Suffice to say, this hasn’t exactly been a banner day for the Southern Cal football program.
First, their leading rushed in 2009 -- Joe McKnight -- announced he was leaving school early. Then, in the biggest stunner of the day, it appears likely that head coach Pete Carroll is leaving the program he rebuilt from the ashes for another crack at the NFL.
Now? USC’s leading receiver in 2009 is exiting LA as well. This one, though, was expected.
According to a statement released through the school, wide receiver Damian Williams shocked absolutely no one by announcing he was making himself available for the 2010 NFL draft. Williams was far and away the Trojans’ leading receiver this past season, doubling up the No. 2 statistical receiver in catches (70), receiving yards (1,010) and receiving touchdowns (6).
“After a great deal of thoughtful discussion and prayer, I have decided that I will forgo a fifth year of eligibility at USC and enter the 2010 NFL draft,” Williams said in a statement. “It was a difficult decision, but I am blessed to have some great people around me to counsel me, including my family and Coach (Pete) Carroll.
“The NFL has been a dream of mine since I can remember, and I feel that it is my time to take this step to the next level,” Williams said in a statement. “I am proud to have earned my degree from USC, and that was an extremely important part of this decision for me and my family.
“I want to thank Mr. (Mike) Garrett, our athletic director, Coach Carroll and the entire staff for preparing me to take this next step. I want to thank my teammates, who will always be my Trojan family. I also want to thank the USC fans who embraced me and made me feel like home, and the Arkansas community who supported me throughout my career.
As an aside, could the last person out of the USC football program please hit the lights? Thanks in advance...