Mays happy about Seattle visit

USC players are looking forward to Saturday’s Pacific 10 Conference game at Washington, none more than safety Taylor Mays.

Mays, a sophomore, grew up in Seattle and went to O’Dea High, where he starred in football and track.

“I’m looking forward, actually, to just being in Seattle,” Mays said Tuesday. “The game, obviously, but not as much playing the Huskies and that whole thing. It’s more just taking the bus and seeing all the stuff I’m familiar with. That’s the stuff that makes you comfortable.

“I don’t have to look at the 110 and the 10 [freeways in Los Angeles]. . . . So that, honestly, is what I’m looking forward to, and that clean air. The game is obviously going to be fun, but this is a business trip and we’re there to accomplish something.”

Mays is off to a solid start. He is third on the team with 14 tackles, trailing linebackers Keith Rivers (30 tackles) and Rey Maualuga (16).

Mays expects a large contingent of friends at Husky Stadium, not only in the stands but also across the line of scrimmage.

“I know a lot of people and I know a lot of guys on their team so it’s going to be nice, but I have to focus,” he said. “I don’t want to go up there and focus on other stuff and then [not] play well and not help my team.”

Coach Pete Carroll continued his build-up of Washington quarterback Jake Locker, the redshirt freshman who is the Huskies’ leading passer and rusher.

“He poses a lot of problems, and I’m having trouble seeing anything else when I’m looking at them,” Carroll said. “We’re going to have to do everything we can to slow him down and keep him from being the factor that controls the football game. I think he’s that good.”

Cornerback Cary Harris (shoulder) was held out of practice but will try to get cleared to play against Washington. Shareece Wright remains on track to start. . . . Linebacker Brian Cushing (ankle sprain) said he also has “a little bit of a bone bruise,” and that his status for Saturday’s game probably will be determined on Thursday. . . . Center Matt Spanos (triceps) executed some snaps and said he hoped to be cleared for contact after several strength tests today. . . . Safety Kevin Ellison said he left practice early to take a test.

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gary.klein@latimes.com