I don't understand why its "too late" to sign the NPO.
I bet the NCAA would happily accept a form in lieu of going thru their own painstaking process. Their limited manpower is what they commonly claim takes so long. They will have to review his transcripts, records of participation, the whole case file from when he was suspended, etc. If getting the signed NPO from USC would alleviate them of having to review his file, then I would be willing to bet they would happily put his file in the cabinet and move on.
If someone could enlighten me, I would greatly appreciate it.