Kelly Says He’s Now a Marked Man

Kareem Kelly got a question from his coach this week: What are you going to do with the last month of the season?

The Pacific 10 Conference freshman of the year in 1999, Kelly entered this season as USC’s premier receiver. With Windrell Hayes and R.Jay Soward gone, he is attracting more attention from opposing defenses.

“I felt I was a hidden secret last season,� he said. “People didn’t know about me. They really weren’t concentrating on me.�

Now, facing tougher coverage, Kelly is still catching a lot of passes--he leads the team with 32 receptions for 415 yards--but has only one touchdown. He also spent part of the season battling a thigh injury.

Coach Paul Hackett has asked him to respond in the final four games.

“All the young guys should come on now,� Hackett said. “You’ve got to step up.�

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Darrell Rideaux’s injured ankle has shown unexpected improvement and there is a possibility the sophomore cornerback can play against Arizona State on Saturday, Hackett said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Trojans gave starting offensive linemen Zach Wilson and Brent McCaffrey the day off, as well as giving tailback Petros Papadakis some rest, in anticipation of having all three ready by game time.

“It’s that time of year,� Hackett said.