Thursday, April 26, 2007

RB Michael Coleman to transfer

Scott Wolf of the LA Daily News reports that, according to sources, USC RB Michael Coleman is expected transfer at the end of the semester. Coleman, a sophomore from San Bernadino, has failed to live up to his potential, as he has continually descended to the bottom of the depth chart since his arrival two years ago. Recurring injuries to his hip have played a major role in his development, but Coleman is not exactly known as being the hardest of workers. He was injured for most of the spring, and according to the article, has also missed several classes since early April.

He leaves USC, even after adamantly stating his desire to stay and play for the Trojans throughout his short career. While battling injuries this spring, Coleman openly said, "I just want to be healthy and contribute, those are my goals right now."



Coleman first injured his hip during the 2005 spring drills, shortly after enrolling in January. He tried to return in the fall, but re-injured the hip twice more during the season. Coleman ended the 2005 season having played in only four games, gaining 95 yards on 20 carries in those contests, and then had off-season surgery. He then sat out the 2006 season after feeling discomfort in his hip, possibly from returning too soon from his surgery.

The highlight of Coleman's career may have came in 2005, just weeks after he arrived on campus. There was an incident with former Trojans RB LenDale White, in which Coleman was confronted by White in the USC locker room. White, USC's all-time leader in TD's, was reacting to comments said by Coleman earlier in the week and needed to be restrained by teammates. Coleman was quoted, "(White's) good, but he's not better than me. He's not as fast as I am, and I catch the ball better." I think we all know who won that argument. Anyway, good luck to Michael "the next Whitney Lewis" Coleman at Northern Iowa or wherever the heck he transfers.

Fight On!

3 comments:

PCbestever said...

Mel you know I rep hard for the IE kids. I wish Coleman the best. Its unfortunate that he was always injured and never really had a chance to compete. The last time I talked to him he said he just wanted to be healthy so that he could show the world what he can do. Hopefully he gets that opportunity wherever he goes.

Joey said...

USC....survival of the fittest. I love it. Best wishes to Coleman, but his loss is some other 5-star player's gain.

mel kiper fan said...

I wish him the best too, as long he don't transfer to a Pac-10 school. I'm sure UTEP has an empty spot for this guy.