USC Football : Salisbury Battling for a Job

IRVINE — If Saturday’s scrimmage at UC Irvine is any indication, the USC quarterback situation is still unresolved.

Sophomore Kevin McLean and redshirt freshman Rodney Peete are apparently still challenging veteran Sean Salisbury for the starting job.

McLean was sharp, completing 5 of 8 passes for 81 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown throw to split end Al Washington, a transfer from Long Beach City College.

Peete, a scrambling-type quarterback, completed 7 of 11 passes for 60 yards. Salisbury, who is making a comeback from knee surgery in 1984, was 5 of 10 for 31 yards. He was intercepted once, by his roommate, cornerback Matt Johnson.

Tailbacks Fred Crutcher, Ryan Knight and freshman Aaron Emanuel didn’t participate in the 75-minute scrimmage due to minor injuries.

So Zeph Lee and Steve Webster shared the position. Lee gained 65 yards in 13 carries and scored on a 9-yard run. Webster gained 83 yards in 15 carries and broke away on runs of 24, 21 and 15 yards.

Tight end Paul Green was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 53 yards. Washington caught 2 passes for 40 yards.

Junior Don Shafer kicked field goals measuring 43, 34 and 46 yards, and had plenty of distance on each kick. Shafer is replacing graduated Steve Jordan, who holds every significant USC placekicking record.

The Trojans will remain at UC Irvine until Monday, when they’ll resume workouts on their own campus.