USC receiver Steven Mitchell showing his playmaking ability

USC coaches and fans were eagerly waiting to see the play-making ability that Steven Mitchell was known for at Mission Hills Alemany High.

They are seeing it now.

Mitchell has two touchdown catches in the last three games for the Trojans, who have an open date this week and play California on Nov. 13.

“My confidence is definitely building,” he said after the Trojans’ victory over Washington State.

Mitchell, a redshirt freshman, set up USC’s final touchdown with a 23-yard reception, and then scored on the next play with a five-yard catch.

Mitchell’s freshman season ended when he suffered a knee injury during summer workouts in 2013. He also required two procedures for a sports hernia that slowed him this summer and through training camp.

“My knee feels strong, my body feels strong,” he said. “I just want to get better as the days go by.”