USC's Woods should be OK for spring after surgery

The star receiver expects to be available after having arthroscopic ankle surgery in mid-December.

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By MICHAEL LEV / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

LOS ANGELES ? The USC football team began its voluntary winter workouts Tuesday without a healthy Robert Woods, who's on the mend from mid-December ankle surgery.

But Woods, a finalist for the 2011 Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top wide receiver, said he should be cleared by early February. He expects to be available for spring practice, which is tentatively scheduled to begin March 6.

Despite playing with an injured right ankle in 2011, USC's Robert Woods still broke the school's single-season receptions record.

PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE REGISTER

"No doubt," Woods said. "I don't see why not."

Woods had arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle Dec. 19. He played the entire 2011 season with the ankle at less than 100 percent after originally injuring it playing pickup basketball on the eve of USC's April 23 spring game.

The projected recovery time from the surgery is six weeks, Woods said. He hasn't run since having the surgery, even though he believes he could.

"I'm just trying to play it safe," he said. "It's a long season."

Woods did not give himself enough recovery time after hurting the ankle, and that had long-term ramifications. He often sat out Thursday practices and was barely a factor in the Nov. 12 game against Washington, catching only two passes for 5 yards.

Woods still broke the USC single-season record with 111 receptions, good for 1,292 yards and 15 touchdowns.

BARKLEY'S BACK

After last season ended, quarterback Matt Barkley didn't expect to be working out with his USC teammates come late January. But there he was Tuesday, leading the troops after deciding to return for his senior season.

"It just feels natural ? like there's not even another option for me," Barkley said. "It's where I'm supposed to be and where I feel comfortable.

"I definitely thought I was going to be out of here. But things change."

Barkley announced Dec.22 that he would come back, citing "unfinished business" after enduring two seasons without a bowl game because of NCAA sanctions.

NOTES

Receiver Marqise Lee (jumps), tailback D.J. Morgan (hurdles) and cornerback Nickell Robey (jumps) are on the track team this semester. ... Redshirt freshman receiver Victor Blackwell (Mater Dei High) was among the most impressive performers at the workout.

Contact the writer: mlev@ocregister.com

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