[Gold] THE THEORY OF REGGIE'S EVOLUTION - New Orleans Times-Picayune
The transformation of Reggie Bush from college football star to NFL luminary to global icon came suddenly and spectacularly after last April's draft.

Taking a tour of New Orleans a year ago with his marketing agent, Mike Orenstein, and Sports Illustrated writer Peter King, the Saints' running back began to realize his potential as a salesman...

...On Friday, Bush was rated by Sports Business Daily as one of the top five athletes in terms of potential endorsements over the next five years, joining global superstars Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Peyton Manning...

..."The sky's the limit for us," Bush said. "As long as I stay on the straight and narrow and stay focused and keep football first. Without football, the marketing wouldn't happen."...

Young defensive backs see action - Daily Trojan
At USC's first practice in full pads, Trojan defensive backs were more likely to be seen in sweatpants than shoulder pads.

Some of the Trojans' most experienced cornerbacks and safeties sat out Sunday's practice. Josh Pinkard, Terrell Thomas, Kevin Thomas and Kevin Ellison were among the players sidelined.

Mozique McCurtis also missed practice with an injury...

...Most of the injuries have been to the veteran defensive backs.

"Those guys are experienced, so we don't worry about them missing time," said Cary Harris...

Trojans put on a performance - OC Register
The USC Trojans are accustomed to all eyes being on them. Two national titles in the past five years will do that.

But those eyes usually are focused during high-pressure bowl games, not at ordinary spring practices, as they were on Friday.

USC welcomed several hundred coaches for the USC coaches clinic - estimated to be near 500. They were witnesses to Friday's spring practice, the first time the Trojans wore shoulder pads.

The running backs and linebacker Thomas Williams helped entertain the coaches, both on and off the field. The Trojan tailbacks made several sharp cuts and long runs while Williams snagged an interception near the end of practice...

Mario Danelo's parents have an emotional visit - LA Times
Joe Danelo surveyed the scene as USC players ran from one drill to the next during practice on Sunday, the flurry of activity stirring fond, cathartic memories for the father of late Trojans kicker Mario Danelo.

"This is just where Mario used to be," Joe said. "Part of his memory is out here. It's good to be out here with the kids."...

...On Sunday, Coach Pete Carroll, several players, other players' parents and Trojans fans greeted and embraced Joe and Emily Danelo, who visited practice for the first time since their youngest son's death.

Joe Danelo said the outpouring of support from the USC community had been, "overwhelming."...

Also, Kicking game has setbacks - LA Daily News

Sanchez shows his stuff - OC Register
...Mark Sanchez got the majority of the snaps with the first team in USC's first practice in full pads as the first week of practice ended.

"We had a really good week and we just wanted to mix the guys up today," Carroll said. "Mark worked with the first guys quite a bit; we wanted to give (starter) John David (Booty) a break."

Sanchez took advantage of Booty's spring break, leading the first-team offense to several first downs during a controlled 11-on-11 scrimmage.

It was the former Mission Viejo star's second spring practice as a Trojan, and Sanchez said he feels that he can finally stop thinking and just start producing...

Big hole left for Howell - LA Daily News
As USC's starting center in spring practice, Nick Howell might naturally feel some pressure. His predecessor, Ryan Kalil, left a hole, in terms of talent and leadership, that won't be easy to fill.

Fortunately for Howell, coach Pete Carroll isn't asking for too much.

At least not yet...

...Howell, a redshirt sophomore, has inherited the starting spot for now. Jeff Byers, a standout center in high school, could challenge, as could Matt Spanos...

O.J. Mayo not spoiled despite heat of last year - Akron Beacon-Journal
When O.J. Mayo was in eighth grade, he already was dealing with comparisons to LeBron James.

Five years later, it is remarkable that Mayo has fulfilled the expectations of becoming one of the the best players in his high school class. He has been the most high-profile senior, too. It is not surprising that the path has been fraught with adversity, especially this year.

It has gotten hot and heavy recently, not unlike at the end of James' prep career. While trying to lead his Huntington High School team to a mythical national title, Mayo couldn't avoid negative headlines. First, Huntington, in West Virginia, was Mayo's third high school. He abruptly left Cincinnati North College Hill High School last fall before the start of the season, when he could've joined James as the only Ohio player in history to win three Mr. Basketball Awards...

Also, USC's run just a start of things to come - Daily Trojan
Bright future leaves USC no room for regret - OC Register
Hold the Mayo, please - Florida Times-Union