A Fresh Start for Trojans

John Robinson, with 25 days until USC’s football opener, greets the first wave of his 1996 football team today.

His freshman recruiting class--reported to be his best yet--will practice at Howard Jones Field at 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. His veterans, including 10 starters from the 1996 Rose Bowl championship team, join the freshmen Monday.

USC, almost a unanimous favorite to repeat as Pacific 10 champion, opens against Penn State on Aug. 25 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Trojans (9-2-1) were co-champions with Washington last season.

There is a sense of excitement about this recruiting class some long-time Trojan watchers consider the best in decades.

In 40-yard speed tests Tuesday night, the top-rated recruit, 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive lineman Travis Claridge, ran 4.85 seconds, fastest in years by a USC lineman. Claridge, from Fort Vancouver, Wash., was considered one of the country’s top five prep prospects a year ago.

Robinson, who has a new five-year contract that will carry him into the 21st century, plans to play him at right guard this season.

Robinson was asked Wednesday how much seasoning Claridge appeared to need.

“He may be ready to compete right now,” he said.

The second most-sought-after recruit is Chris Claiborne, a 6-4, 235-pound linebacker from from Riverside.

Capsule summaries on other freshmen:

Sultan Abdul-Malik (6-3, 220) linebacker from Arcadia. . . . . David Bell, kicker from Anaheim. A late signee, Bell kicked a 53-yard field goal in this summer’s Orange County All-Star game. . . . Ennis Davis (6-4, 305) defensive tackle from Reseda. Had 10 unassisted tackles five times last season.

Eric Denmon (6-2, 260) center from Dallas. One recruiting service named him the nation’s best prep center last season. . . . Troy Garner (6-3, 195) wide receiver from Sherman Oaks Notre Dame. Scored 14 touchdowns last season. . . . David Gibson (6-2, 205) safety from Santa Ana Mater Dei. He had 161 tackles the past two seasons.

Stan Guyness (6-2, 185) wide receiver from Los Alamitos. Reportedly a game-breaker, he averaged 21.5 yards per catch on 46 receptions last season. . . . Ted Iacenda (6-1, 225) running back from Newhall. A power runner with track speed. Darnell Lacy (6-3, 195) safety from Gardena. He had 120 tackles and forced six fumbles last season. . . . Faaesea Mailo (6-5, 315) offensive lineman from Honolulu. The top Hawaii recruit last year, Mailo plans a two-year Mormon mission after this season.

Trevor Roberts (6-4, 295) guard from Norco. . . . Shamsud-Din Shaheed (6-4, 260) linebacker from Verbum Dei High. Ninety-five solo tackles last season. . . . Pat Smith (6-5, 275) center/long snapper from La Mesa. His coach called him the best Helix High lineman in the last 31 years. . . . R. Jay Soward (5-11, 175) wide receiver from Fontana. Soward averaged 22.3 yards per catch last year.

Jason Steen (6-4, 215) linebacker from Gardena. Averaged 20 tackles per game. . . . Joel Sugg (6-6, 265) offensive lineman from Irvine. . . . Mike Van Raaphorst (6-5, 215) quarterback from La Mesa. Younger brother of former Arizona State quarterback Jeff Van Raaphorst and son of San Diego Charger kicker Dick Van Raaphorst. . . . Mike Whitcanack (6-7, 275) offensive tackle from Saratoga, Calif. Missed half his senior season, his first on offense, because of mononucleosis, yet still became one of the country’s most-sought prep lineman.