As USC goes through commencement ceremonies Friday, 20 players will receive their degrees
[SEE THE PHOTOS FROM GRADUATION]
By Ben Malcolmson
USCRipsIt
PeteCarroll.com
Several Trojans will be in a uniform of a different sort on Friday.
A cap and gown.
Twenty Trojans will be participating in the university’s 125th annual commencement ceremony on Friday, when they’ll celebrate four-plus years of work to obtain their diplomas.
“We’re very proud of the dedication of these players to earn their degrees and achieve this milestone in their lives,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “It’s a testament to their willingness to compete in the classroom, along with on the field, and it couldn’t be a better statement of this program.”
Eight players graduated in the fall, nine earned their degrees this spring and three more are on pace to receive their diplomas this summer, totaling 20 Trojans who will be leaving USC with a college degree to go along with their Pac-10 championships, Rose Bowl crowns and the many other football accolades.
“It’s quite an accomplishment for anyone to graduate college,” said Magdi El Shahawy, senior associate athletic director in charge of Student-Athlete Academic Services. “But it’s an expectation for our players to get their degree. We’re always striving to get everyone graduated.”
Unfortunately, not all 20 players will be able to attend the commencement ceremonies, as several are already attending workouts with NFL teams after being drafted in late April.
Here’s a list of the players who either have already graduated or will be receiving their degrees soon:
Fall 2007 Graduates
Sam Baker • Offensive tackle
John David Booty • Quarterback
Lawrence Jackson • Defensive end
Michael McDonald • Quarterback
Chase McWhorter • Safety
Alex Morrow • Defensive end
Desmond Reed • Tailback
Terrell Thomas • Cornerback
Spring 2008 Graduates
Jim Abbott • Cornerback
Will Collins • Long snapper
Travis Draper • Offensive lineman (On the team in 2005-06)
Mozique McCurtis • Defensive back
Alatini “Tiny” Malu • Offensive guard
Jimmy Miller • Tight end
Drew Radovich • Offensive lineman
Dale Thompson • Tight end
Thomas Williams • Linebacker
Potential Summer Grads
Keith Rivers • Linebacker
Matt Spanos • Offensive lineman
Brad Walker • Wide receiver
• Ben Malcolmson is the Director of Online Media for USCRipsIt/PeteCarroll.com. You can contact him at Ben@PeteCarroll.com.
