For the first time in six years, there is no obvious heir apparent at quarterback at USC. "It's a more level playing field," junior Mitch Mustain said. Mustain, Aaron Corp, Matt Barkley and Garrett Green are competing for the job to replace Mark Sanchez.

Standout high school running back Bryce Brown has signed a letter of intent with the Tennessee Vols, as reported by the Associated Press. The nation?s top-ranked recruit announced his decision from the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in Wichita on Monday. The Wichita East High School star had narrowed his final choices to Oregon, Miami, Tennessee, Kansas State and LSU.

Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith visited with the Lions on Monday as they continue to search for the right player to use the top overall pick on. Detroit officials met extensively with Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry at the annual scouting combine in Indianapolis last month. "I don't know what it feels like to really win [and] be a part of a winning team," Smith told the Lions' Web site. "But I do know the feeling of losing and I don't like it. I've gotten a taste of winning -- winning a few games -- and it was an unexplainable feeling. It's a high feeling of euphoria. I just want to win."

USC tailback Joe McKnight said he will not participate in spring practice because he is still recovering from the Rose Bowl, when he dislocated four toes on his left foot on the same play during the Trojans' victory over Penn State. "I'm not going to do spring," McKnight said. "They don't want me to."