Orange County Register

Recent USC addition Curtis McNeal got a ton of reps at tailback during Wednesday’s practice — and he’s bound to get a bunch more when the Trojans begin their game-week prep for Oregon State.

No, McNeal isn’t about to bounce any of the numerous tailbacks in front of him. But he will play an important role on the scout team as a Jacquizz Rodgers impersonator.

Rodgers (above), the Beavers’ leading rusher, is listed at 5-foot-6. McNeal is listed at 5-8.

“We’ve already noted that as coaches,” USC coach Pete Carroll said. “Rodgers is one of those guys – he hides behind the line of scrimmage and comes popping out at you. Those guys can be very effective.”

USC running backs coach Todd McNair called McNeal by a different name Wednesday — “Sproles,” as in Darren Sproles, the 5-foot-6 San Diego Chargers scatback.

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