USC freshman Ronald Jones II making a fast impression

Ronald Jones II has heard the comparisons. The speedy USC freshman humbly dismisses talk about how he reminds some people, including former Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart, of a young Reggie Bush.

“I think it’s way too soon,” Jones said Wednesday after practice, adding that Bush was “the best, the greatest, in my opinion…. But it’s an honor.”

Jones burst onto the scene in the season opener when he scored on a 44-yard run against Arkansas State.

Last week against Idaho, the Texas native broke off a 44-yard run, then scored from a yard out on the next play. He also had a 31-yard touchdown nullified because of a holding penalty.

Heading into Saturday’s Pac-12 Conference opener against Stanford, Jones has rushed for a team-best 169 yards in only 14 carries. He is one of five tailbacks who have been impressive for the sixth-ranked Trojans.

Senior Tre Madden started the first two games and has rushed for 144 yards and scored four touchdowns.

Junior Justin Davis returned from a rib injury that sidelined him for the opener and ran for 74 yards and two touchdowns in five carries against Idaho.

Freshmen Aca’Cedric Ware has rushed for a touchdown, and Dominic Davis has produced as a runner and receiver.

“We just all complement each other and bring out the best in each other,” Jones said.

Jones originally made a verbal commitment to Oklahoma State before switching to USC. After struggling with homesickness during training camp, he is settling in.

Jones said the offensive line and coaching staff have made the adjustment to college football easier on the field. He added that Madden and Davis have worked with him to improve in pass protection.

Jones has shown toughness to run inside the tackles and elusiveness once he breaks toward the sideline.

“I like to take it outside,” he said, “because that’s where the smaller guys are.”

Marshall could start

Freshman Iman Marshall has played a major role for USC as a third cornerback. His role might be more significant against Stanford.

With senior Kevon Seymour limited because of a knee injury, Marshall could make his first start opposite Adoree’ Jackson.

Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said Marshall’s competitiveness and physical play stand out.

“He’s got size and athletic ability,” Wilcox said. “Has he seen every different route concept, and is he perfect? No, but he’ll go out there and compete.”

Jackson and sophomore Jonathan Lockett started at cornerback in last week’s 59-9 victory over Idaho.

Solid so far

USC’s tight end situation, a major question mark during training camp, has stabilized with a trio of players making contributions.

“They’ve been a pleasant surprise,” Coach Steve Sarkisian said, adding, “They’ve been very functional.”

Senior Taylor McNamara, a graduate transfer who played three seasons for Oklahoma, has caught two passes, one for a touchdown. Freshman Tyler Petite also has two catches.

Both have blocked well, something also done by sophomore walk-on Connor Spears.

Quick hits

Linebacker Lamar Dawson, sidelined the first two games because of a rib injury, participated in all drills and moved closer to possibly playing against Stanford…. The kickoff time for USC’s Sept. 26 game at Arizona State will be announced Monday, USC said. It will begin either at 5 p.m. PDT on ABC, at 5:30 p.m. on Fox or at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. UCLA’s game at Arizona, and Utah’s game at Oregon also are in the mix in for those time slots.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein

Correspondent Lindsey Thiry contributed to this report.