Dennis Will Probably Miss Opener

USC Coach Pete Carroll said Friday that he spoke with running back Hershel Dennis, but the junior remains suspended indefinitely and his chances of playing in the season opener against Virginia Tech were “seriously in doubt.”

According to law enforcement sources, Dennis is a focal point of a Los Angeles Police Department sexual assault investigation that may involve a member or members of the top-ranked Trojans, who begin their season Aug. 28 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.

It is not clear what role Dennis played in an alleged incident that occurred early Monday morning at a complex near campus where players were housed during training camp.

Attorney Carmen Trutanich confirmed that he and attorney Paul Grech have been retained by Dennis’ family, but Trutanich declined further comment.

Dennis, who started every game last season, was told by Carroll to leave practice Tuesday morning. He was suspended for violating team rules.

Carroll said Dennis phoned him Friday morning.

“He called to check in; it was just casual talk really,” Carroll said.

Carroll said no Trojan players have been contacted by police, who began an investigation after a woman who attended a gathering at the Cardinal Gardens complex reported a sexual assault. At least 14 people associated with the football team were present at some point during the gathering, where marijuana and alcohol were being used, law enforcement sources said.

Michael L. Jackson, USC’s vice president of student affairs, said his department would wait for a police report before taking any action.

“Until we have that, we don’t know what we’re dealing with. We haven’t begun any inquiry at all,” Jackson said. “We don’t have a complaint from anybody. It doesn’t mean I’m not concerned, but there’s nothing to do until we have something to go on.”

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Final summer-session grades have been posted, but Carroll said the NCAA would not receive information regarding Mike Williams until the beginning of next week.

Williams returned to Tampa, Fla., last week after Carroll decided to keep him out of practice until the NCAA rules on USC’s requests for a progress-toward-degree waiver and reinstatement of Williams’ eligibility.

Williams is expected to return to Los Angeles for the start of the fall semester Monday.

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Freshman Fred Davis said he requested a switch from wide receiver to tight end for variety and opportunity.

“I just wanted to try something different,” Davis said, “whatever it takes to get on the field.”

Davis’ request was met with enthusiasm by the coaching staff even before the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Davis caught a 45-yard touchdown pass in a scrimmage Thursday night.

“He went from being as fast as everybody else at his position to being faster than everybody else,” receivers coach Lane Kiffin said.

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Junior quarterback Matt Leinart was voted offensive captain and senior tackle Shaun Cody and senior linebacker Matt Grootegoed were voted defensive captains.... With Leinart resting his left elbow and freshman John David Booty sidelined because of a sore right elbow, senior Brandon Hance took the majority of snaps Friday.... Safety Darnell Bing practiced because the Trojans did not work out in pads. He cannot participate in contact drills until he regains strength in his left shoulder.... Wide receiver William Buchanon sat out because of a hyperextended knee.

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Times staff writer Stuart Silverstein contributed to this report.