Turner is ready to establish himself

Patrick Turner arrived at USC in 2005 amid much fanfare.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound receiver from Tennessee was regarded as the latest in a growing line of rangy out-of-state pass catchers who would become All-Americans for the Trojans.

With Dwayne Jarrett having followed Mike Williams to the NFL, it is now Turner’s turn to step up.

“Patrick is the guy we’re counting on because he’s been here,” Coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday after the Trojans’ first spring practice workout. “We know that he knows how to play the game and he can make big plays and come through in the clutch.”

Turner, who will be a junior, senses the opportunity.

Jarrett and flanker Steve Smith combined for 141 catches and 21 touchdowns last season. Both are preparing for next week’s pro day at USC and the April draft.

“It’s a chance to establish myself more and go out and prove myself,” said Turner, who had 29 receptions last season, including 12 for 116 yards against Washington. “I just have to get the feel of what it’s like to be one of the top guys, catching more balls than I did in the past and not sitting behind older guys.”

Sophomores Vidal Hazelton and Travon Patterson and redshirt freshmen David Ausberry and Jamere Holland are competing for the other starting position.

Damian Williams, a transfer from Arkansas, also impressed in his first workout. Williams will not be eligible until the 2008 season.

“2008 seems like a lifetime away,” he said, “but it’s one of those things and I have to stay focused.”

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Unlike last year, when he aggravated a back problem on the first day of spring workouts and underwent surgery, quarterback John David Booty appeared fit and stronger than at any time in his career.

Booty said he weighed 217 pounds, about seven more than he played at last season.

Backup Mark Sanchez went through the entire practice and said talk of a back problem was exaggerated. Sanchez said he experienced soreness after lifting weights during off-season workouts, but trainers and doctors “ruled out all the bad stuff” and gave him a flexibility regimen.

“I just have to make sure I stretch out well,” he said. “I feel 100% and I’m ready to go.”

Carroll said Sanchez would be monitored throughout the first week of practices.

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The Trojans have plenty of tailbacks to split the spring workload, but redshirt freshman Stanley Havili is the lone scholarship fullback.

“That’s OK,” said Havili, who broke his leg last season, “I’ll take all the reps I can get.”

Sophomore Michael Coleman could join workouts at fullback if doctors clear him after reviewing an MRI exam of his hip, Carroll said.

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Senior Drew Radovich, who started at left guard last season, worked with the first unit at right tackle. Junior Jeff Byers worked at left guard and sophomore Nick Howell at center. “We’ll mix and match to see what the best thing is,” Carroll said.... Running back Hershel Dennis, who is attempting to return for a sixth year of eligibility, practiced for the first time since re-injuring his knee last spring. Sophomore Stafon Johnson will not participate because he is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.... Offensive lineman Martin Coleman, who graduated a semester early from Huntington Beach Edison High, practiced for the first time. “I was a little nervous coming in but I finally got to go out on the field,” he said.

gary.klein@latimes.com