LOS ANGELES -- Penn State All-American defensive end Aaron Maybin was a no-show yesterday, but Southern California's players and coaches are well aware of how destructive he can be on the field.

He finished the season with 12 sacks, the fourth-best total in the country.

"The biggest thing that impresses me about the guy -- obviously he's a tremendous athlete -- is his effort," Southern California offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said. "He plays hard. He plays football the way you want it to be played.

"He doesn't slow up."

Maybin, 6 feet 4 and 235 pounds, was a first-team All-Big Ten pick. He finished sixth in the nation with 19 tackles for losses and forced a team-high three fumbles.

Trojans quarterback Mark Sanchez said it's hard not to notice Maybin when he watches tape of Penn State.

"The guy is sprinting all over the field," Sanchez said. "I haven't seen him walk once. I haven't seen him bend over and put the hands on his hips, a sign that you're tired. He's a phenomenal athlete.

"He's going to be fun to play against. Hopefully he doesn't get his hands on me."

Maybin was running with the second team Saturday after violating a team rule and then did not attend yesterday's Rose Bowl news conference.

"When we start warmups, he's with the first team," Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick said.

Maybin, a redshirt sophomore, and Odrick, a junior first-team All-Big Ten selection, are awaiting feedback from the NFL draft advisory committee before deciding if they are going to leave school a year early.

Maybin is projected as a first-round pick, while Odrick is expected to go in the second or third round.

Penn State All-American center A.Q. Shipley from Moon High School captured the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center.

But according to Rob Rang, senior analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, Shipley is considered a "fourth or fifth-round" pick in the pros.

"We have Shipley rated as the sixth-best center, which might seem ridiculous, since he's been terrific," Rang said. "Shipley's lack of size [6-1, 300] will drop him a bit, but his tenacity and physicality will earn rave reviews from offensive line coaches.""

Penn State outside linebacker Bani Gbadyu did not make the trip due to academic issues. He started the first three games before losing his job to Navorro Bowman. ... Penn State wide receiver Jordan Norwood has seen limited practice time due to an ankle injury. Graham Zug has been getting most of Norwood's snaps. ... Southern California fullback Stanley Havili, who started 11 games, has not been cleared academically. He likely will be replaced by D.J. Shoemate. ... USC safety Kevin Ellison, a three-year starter and first-team All-Pac-10 performer, is not likely to play because of lingering soreness in his knee following surgery.