USC’s Holt to Miss Spring Practice

USC fullback Leroy Holt is academically ineligible and is currently attending Santa Monica College, it was learned Wednesday.

“Leroy is making up credits to get back in school in the summer, and he’ll miss spring practice,” USC Coach Larry Smith said. “But I expect that he’ll be with us in the fall.”

With Holt unavailable for spring practice that begins March 10, Jeff Brown is the only experienced fullback. Holt, a sophomore from Banning High School, was USC’s second-leading ground gainer last year with 496 yards, a 3.9 average.

Smith also said that tailback Aaron Emanuel will probably miss spring practice. Emanuel had a foot operation last December and later had minor knee surgery.

Emanuel was convicted of simple battery on Aug. 21, 1987, for punching heptathlete Sharon Hatfield at an off-campus party in May. Emanuel was suspended from the football team and kept out of school after the incident was reported.