BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Former Plant High star Mike Williams, turned down in his attempt to return to play at USC after the courts kept him out of the NFL draft, has hired an agent - again.
Williams, expected to be a first-round draft pick next April, will be represented by Tony Fleming and Mitch Frankel of Impact Sports Management.
"Mike will continue his education at USC, where he will train in preparation for his NFL career," Fleming said in a statement.
Impact Sports Management has offices in Beverly Hills and Boca Raton.
Williams caught 95 passes for 1,314 yards and a school-record 16 touchdowns as a sophomore last season to help the Trojans win the national championship. He finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy balloting.
After a court ruled last winter that Ohio State's Maurice Clarett was eligible to play in the NFL, Williams left USC, hired Mike Azzarelli as his agent and said he was turning pro. That made him ineligible to play for the Trojans.
Rice watching for trade
ALAMEDA, Calif. - Jerry Rice, who turns 42 today, believes he could be traded by the Raiders before the Oct. 19 deadline. He told Sacramento radio station KHTK his days with Oakland may be numbered, and that he wants to play for a team that will better utilize his talents. Speculation last week was about a possible swap with the Lions.
"When rumors get started like that, something is going on," Rice said. "I don't know how much longer I'll be wearing the silver and black. The thing is, I know wherever I go, that that team will get something special because I'll give them 100 percent and I'll make plays on the football field to help that team win."
SAINTS: Veteran running back Fred McAfee, who made the Pro Bowl in 2002 for special teams, signed for his third stint. He also played in New Orleans from 1991-93 and 2000-2003.
