Freshman Receiver Soward Impresses

USC puts on full pads today for the first time and goes from three to two practices a day in its preseason training camp.

Working out in shorts in Wednesday’s mid-day workout, freshman receiver R. Jay Soward and sophomore safety Rashard Cook made the big plays in separate drills.

Soward made a spectacular leaping, one-handed catch while falling to the ground, and Cook did the same later, for an interception.

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Freshmen offensive tackle Mike Whitcanack injured a foot two weeks ago during 40-yard speed trials and is still sidelined. Senior linebacker Mark Farlin, who dropped an 85-pound steel drum on it on his summer factory job, is still out. His foot wasn’t broken, but the swelling has not gone down. . . . The NCAA suspension last season of tailback Shawn Walters, who was accused of accepting money by an agent, continues through this season’s first three games. He can’t play until Sept. 21, at Houston.