Byline: Scott Wolf / Daily News Staff Writer
The obvious became reality Saturday when USC announced that sophomore John Fox would start at quarterback in the season opener Sept. 6 against Florida State.
USC coach John Robinson made the official decision one day after Fox had the best performance among the quarterbacks during the Trojans' first scrimmage at the Coliseum.
In fact, the decision was made probably before Friday's scrimmage.
Fox participated in 32 plays Friday night while sophomore Quincy Woods took only 17 snaps.
Fox threw 20 passes, completing nine for 97 yards and one touchdown. Woods completed 2 of 4 passes for 29 yards and no touchdowns.
``We started out wanting to make it a competition on the field and we did that,'' Robinson said. ``John established himself. He'll be our starter. We hope to get Quincy in games. And we feel Mike (Van Raaphorst) has a very good future.
``They all took it well. It happens in every position on a daily basis. People succeed and don't succeed. Every position is alike, it's not different. I agree that this one (quarterback) is more interesting, though.''
Asked if one of his quarterbacks could transfer, Robinson said, ``sure.''
Woods and Van Raaphorst said they have no plans to transfer.
For Fox, the announcement was the culmination of a remarkable comeback. A year ago, he was No. 5 on the depth chart. But he rededicated himself to football since last winter and was the most impressive quarterback in training camp.
``I was hoping of course that I would start,'' Fox said. ``That was my dream. I didn't come here to watch. That's why I worked so hard in the summer.''
Now that he is No. 1, Fox said he did not feel any additional pressure.
``I'm not worried about losing my job,'' Fox said. ``I don't plan on losing my job.''
An obviously downcast Woods tried to put the best face on the decision.
``I'm disappointed, but it's something I've got to live with right now,'' Woods said. ``It's the coaches' decision. They feel it's the way it should be.''
All three quarterbacks have been told by the coaching staff that they will play this season, and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson reminded Woods on Saturday that he is ``only a play away'' from becoming the Trojans' starting quarterback.
``I'll be back,'' Woods said.
