George Farmer was enjoying the most productive stretch of his USC career this spring, displaying speed and making plays in a bid to become part of the receiver rotation this fall.
But the former Gardena Serra High star suffered what appeared to be another setback Tuesday.
Farmer, who was slowed by injuries throughout his first two seasons, caught a pass during a drill with no defenders and then fell to the ground and grabbed his left knee.
Trainers attended to him on the field before calling for a cart that transported Farmer to the locker room. He is scheduled to have an MRI exam Wednesday.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Farmer was among the most celebrated recruits in a 2011 class that included Serra teammate Marqise Lee.
While Robert Woods — a 2010 signee from Serra — and Lee garnered immediate playing time and stardom, Farmer struggled to remain healthy and earn an opportunity. Last season, he caught one pass for seven yards.
Sophomore Nelson Agholor is on track to start opposite Lee, but Farmer was making a push for the No. 3 spot. Senior De'Von Flournoy, sophomore Victor Blackwell, freshman Darreus Rogers also are competing for a role, and freshman Steven Mitchell will arrive during summer.
If his injury is serious, it would be the latest in a string that have hit the Trojans this spring.
Tailback Silas Redd suffered an knee injury a few weeks ago and is recovering from surgery. He has said that he expects to be recovered for summer workouts.
Lee has not been cleared to practice since suffering a knee injury several weeks ago.
Freshman safety Su'a Cravens was among more than 15 players who did not practice Tuesday. Cravens said he would have an MRI exam on his left knee.
Recruiting pitch
Coach Lane Kiffin said he spoke Sunday with Andy Enfield, who was hired as USC's basketball coach Monday.
Kiffin said he spoke to Enfield about the USC program and about Athletic Director Pat Haden and President Max Nikias.
"He just had some questions about some things," said Kiffin, who lauded Enfield's hiring.
"You're getting a guy that has a certain style and flavor of play that I think kids will want to play in," Kiffin said. "But he also understands the academic side of a private university."
Quick hits
Freshman running back Justin Davis continued to impress with several long gains…. Kiffin said New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was on campus before practice working with Tom House, a former USC and major league pitcher who is an expert in motion analysis. House has worked in the past with Brady and several other NFL quarterbacks, including Drew Brees.
