LOS ANGELES (Jan. 15, 2006) -- Southern California lost two more juniors to the NFL draft, when All-American safety Darnell Bing and tackle Winston Justice informed the school they would skip their senior seasons.
The Trojans have had five underclassmen declare themselves eligible for April's draft since losing the Rose Bowl to Texas, starting with running backs LenDale White and Reggie Bush, the Heisman Trophy winner and possible No. 1 pick in April's draft.
Guard Fred Matua announced that he was going pro on Saturday.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft was Sunday.
Tim Tessalone, USC's director of sports information, said Bing and Justice told him they would be leaving for the NFL. The players weren't available for comment but intended to officially announce their decisions, he said.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Bing had 50 tackles and four interceptions this season.
Justice started every game after missing the 2004 season when he was suspended from school for flashing a pellet gun at a student. Both are considered possible first-round draft picks.
With Bing leaving early and senior Scott Ware out of eligibility, USC will have to replace both its starting safeties next season.
The departure of Justice means USC will have to replace three of its five starting offensive linemen, including Matua and senior guard Taitusi Lutui.
Before this season, only defensive end Kenechi Udeze, wide receiver Mike Williams and middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu had left for the NFL as underclassmen under fifth-year coach Pete Carroll.
Bing and Justice will not become officially eligible for the NFL Draft until they complete and file proper paperwork with the league office prior to the Jan. 15 deadline for submission. The league will officially announce underclassmen that have entered the NFL Draft on Jan. 19, after the NCAA's deadline for withdrawing an application has elapsed.
