Southern California's All-America safety Darnell Bing said editing is needed on the material pinned to the Hawai'i football team's bulletin board.

Although expressing confidence in the two-time defending national champions' offense — led by Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart and finalist Reggie Bush — Bing disclaimed this quote in the Los Angeles Daily News: "We'll just see how quick the offense scores against Hawai'i. The first play or third play."

No disrespect, Bing said, to the Warriors, who are 34 1/2-point (and counting) underdogs.

"Oh, no, someone asked me how fast did I think the offense was going to score," Bing said. "I said, 'I don't know. It could be the first. It could be the third. I have no idea.' I didn't say it was going to be the first or third. I was saying I didn't know exactly when it was when they would score."

He said he has not received "any grief" for the published quotes.

USC returns every player who scored a touchdown in the 55-19 rout of Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl.

"Of course, they'll be able to score," he said. "I'm not going to say it's going to be on the first play, but it's going to be down the line — first series, second series, third series, whatever it is, as long as they score."

Bing is used to being the focus of attention. As a senior at Long Beach Poly in 2001, he was named to five All-America high school teams. During his recruiting visit, USC athletic director Mike Garrett offered his retired jersey No. 20 to Bing. Bing signed with USC, but delayed his enrollment until the spring of 2003 to meet the requirements to play as an NCAA freshman.

Asked if he was previously familiar with Garrett, the 1965 Heisman Trophy-winning tailback, Bing, who was born in 1984, said: "Not really. When I came on my recruiting trip, he told me I was going to wear the number. My uncle actually picked a report of him off the Internet, and I read it a little bit. Before that, I had no idea about it."

He started 13 games in 2003, when he was named to the Freshman All-America team, and played in 12 games last season. Against Oklahoma, he made 10 tackles. He enters this season as a Thorpe Award candidate, and his name is on the Lott Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Bednarik Award watch lists. He said he no longer worries about the expectations of wearing Garrett's jersey number.

"I don't think it's a pressure thing," he said, as long as "I play like I know how to play, make sure I've got all of my keys down before the game, do what I have to do."

He also said he is poised to assume more of a leadership role. Six defensive starters completed their eligibility at the end of the Orange Bowl.

"This year, I have to communicate a little bit more," he said. "I need to be sound on defense, and a little more vocal. After that, I think everything else will take care of itself. We have guys on the D-line who have played a little bit. I think everybody needs to speak out a little more."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.