Shane Horton, a redshirt junior from Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, is sliding from safety to weakside linebacker for Fall Camp and beyond, Coach Carroll announced tonight after a brief meeting with Horton and defensive coordinator Rocky Seto.
Horton, who started six games as a freshman at UNLV in 2007 before transferring to USC last summer, moves into the thick of an intriguing competition with Malcolm Smith and Jordan Campbell for playing time at the "will" linebacker spot.
"Shane is excited to take advantage of this move and seize the opportunity," Carroll said. "His attitude couldn't be better about the move and we're eager to see what he can do in this new role."
Coaches decided to make the change after freshman Frankie Telfort was not cleared to play because of a genetic heart condition discovered in July. Though Horton has spent most of his career in the defensive backfield, his 6-1, 215-pound frame and 4.5-second 40-yard time bode well for the switch, along with the fact he is used to playing close to the line of scrimmage as a strong safety.
"He should be really comfortable making plays in his new position," Carroll said.
