USC linebacker Uchenna Nwosu not enrolled for spring semester

Uchenna Nwosu, a linebacker who played in 12 games last season as a freshman, is not enrolled at USC this semester and is not participating in team activities, a school official said Thursday in response to an inquiry by The Times.

Nwosu did not participate in the Holiday Bowl because of an undisclosed off-the-field situation and he was not present when the Trojans began off-season conditioning workouts Thursday.

Tim Tessalone, USC’s sports information director, said Nwosu was sent home from the Holiday Bowl in San Diego because of an unspecified violation of team rules. He declined to disclose why Nwosu was not enrolled.

“We look forward to him rejoining the team this summer,” Tessalone said.

Nwosu played mainly on special teams and made nine tackles.

Efforts to reach Nwosu were unsuccessful.

Nwosu, who came to USC from Harbor City Narbonne High, is the second player to leave the program for reasons other than the NFL draft.

Rahshead Johnson, who redshirted last season as a receiver and cornerback, also left the program.

Correspondent Lindsey Thiry contributed to this report.

Follow Gary Klein on Twitter @LATimesKlein