Leinart Says He Will ‘Cherish Every Day’

With his last game at the Coliseum only a few days away, USC quarterback Matt Leinart said Tuesday that he was prepared for an emotional week leading into the top-ranked Trojans’ showdown with 11th-ranked UCLA.

“It’s finally coming down to an end,� said Leinart, the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner who has never lost a game at home in three seasons as a starter.

Leinart, who turned down the chance to turn pro and stayed for his final season of eligibility, said he would miss the capacity crowds at the Coliseum, the walk through the stadium tunnel to the field, being on the sidelines with “my guys, my teammates,� and celebrations in the locker room.

“I’m going to miss it all, but I know, obviously, every great thing comes to an end and then you move on,� he said. “But I’m going to cherish every day, every moment I have this week, and prepare my hardest and get ready for Saturday and then just kind of soak it all in.�

Leinart is expected to be a top NFL draft pick in April, but he said he has not been looking ahead. He watches games on Sundays only to check in on his friends and former teammates.

“I don’t ever think about the money, I don’t think about what I could do or couldn’t do in the NFL,� he said. “That time will come. And it’s almost here. I still have a game on Saturday and, hopefully, whatever bowl game we go to.�

A victory over UCLA would assure the Trojans a spot in the Rose Bowl, this season’s bowl series championship game, and a shot at a third consecutive national title. Leinart acknowledged that playing for a title in Pasadena would be “a great way to end your whole career: in L.A., in front of your home fans and family and friends. That’s the way I’m looking at Saturday too at the Coliseum.�

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Running back LenDale White, who is nursing a shoulder bruise, did not practice but did some light running. The junior will probably do the same today with hopes of practicing Thursday, Coach Pete Carroll said.

Running back Reggie Bush arrived late for practice after a doctor’s appointment, Carroll said.

Afterward, Bush performed a short series of punitive calisthenics. Carroll said it was “a little administrative thing about not checking in when he was going to miss something.�

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Linebacker Keith Rivers (hamstring) did not practice and is regarded as doubtful for Saturday’s game.