LOS ANGELES — The hole at linebacker that USC starts the season with got a little bit smaller Thursday.

Senior linebacker Luthur Brown was declared academically eligible for the 2009 season, although he will not play in USC’s opener against San Jose State on Saturday.
The picture also became clearer at another USC preseason area of concern — the defensive line.
Redshirt freshman Wes Horton has edged out another redshirt freshman, Nick Perry, for the starting defensive end spot opposite Everson Griffen, Coach Pete Carroll said.
Brown gives the Trojans added depth and versatility at a position where USC lost three starters: Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava, the Trojans’ three leading tacklers during the 2008 season.
USC’s vulnerability at linebacker was evident Thursday when sophomore Chris Galippo, slated to start at middle linebacker, missed practice because of a swollen elbow. Galippo will play against San Jose State, Carroll said.
“Just making sure we get him fixed and ready to go (Saturday),” Carroll said of Galippo’s absence from practice.
Brown, who missed last season because of a nagging back injury, was an academic question mark until last this week. Brown played in all 13 games for USC in 2007, recording 25 tackles. He had six tackles against both Arizona and Notre Dame.
“It’s a good boost because he’s played all three positions and it’s a position that takes a lot of hits,” Carroll said.
But Carroll said Brown, who has been working out on his own while dealing with his academic situation, isn’t game-ready.
“We don’t want to rush him out there and get him all banged up,” Carroll said.
Horton will play a key role in the Trojans rebuilding job on the defensive front where USC lost All-Pac-10 tackle Fili Moala and both ends, Kyle Moore and Clay Matthews.
“Wes will go first,” Carroll said. “He just seems like he’s been steadier on every down.”
Horton had 61 tackles and eight sacks in 2007 as a senior at Notre Dame High of Sherman Oaks.
Carroll said junior cornerback Marshall Jones and sophomore corner T.J. Bryant will play in USC’s nickel (extra defensive backs) package.