updated 4:48 p.m. ET Aug. 16, 2007

LOS ANGELES - Emmanuel Moody, the second-leading rusher for Southern California last season as a freshman who is caught in a glut of highly regarded tailbacks, has decided to transfer.

“We’ve talked about it for a couple days. It was not a snap decision,” Trojans coach Pete Carroll said after practice Thursday. “He’s of the mind that he needs to move on. He’s looking for an opportunity where he can be a featured guy.

“I feel bad he’s been banged up and not looked his best lately in camp. He did well for us last year, and the first part of camp before getting hurt.”

Moody, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound sophomore from Texas, gained 458 yards on 79 carries last season before missing the final four games because of a sprained ankle. He entered camp as one of 10 players competing for playing time at tailback.

“This will make the opportunities better for the kids still here,” Carroll said. “Guys come here and know they’ll play. If they lose that feeling, they’re not going to fit. (Moody) didn’t leave here disgruntled — he’s a great kid. He just thought he’d get a chance somewhere where the competition is different. He was at peace with his decision and said he had no regrets.

College football In-depth previews of every team

“It’s tough here,” Carroll said. “It’s as challenging as it can get. That’s the central theme of our program — competition. This place isn’t for everyone. Guys can have a change of heart.”

Moody bruised his knee in a scrimmage Sunday night at the Los Angeles Coliseum, and didn’t practice after that.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Football frenzy, surfing sensation, misery for Cubs fans, and more. more photos

“He had had a tremendous fall camp until he got banged up,” Carroll said. “I’m not surprised if someone wants to leave. But we’re not as right (at tailback) as it seems. We’re not practicing with 10 guys because some guys have been banged up. And we’re losing four guys off this depth chart next season.

Carroll referred to Moody along with seniors Chauncey Washington, Hershel Dennis and Desmond Reed. Dennis isn’t practicing because of knee soreness, and it doesn’t appear freshman Marc Tyler, who broke his leg as a high school senior last season, will be ready to play any time soon.

MORE FROM COLLEGE FOOTBALL

College football Section Front

Five things we learned No joke! Ball State joins top 25 rankings AP, coaches', Harris Top 25 rankings Heisman Hopefuls: Bradford, McCoy set for collision Walters: Big stakes for OU-Texas Wait is over for No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 5 Texas Take a bow Vandy; Take a seat JoePa Pelini says he saw nothing dirty vs. Mizzou Pryor comes through when it counts for Ohio State Projections for all 34 bowl games College football Section Front   Add College football headlines to your news reader: