COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : USC : Johnson Might Loom Bigger in Plans

Why did Coach Larry Smith use freshman quarterback Rob Johnson in a mop-up role Saturday during the Trojans’ 52-30 loss to Cal at Berkeley, thus expending a year of Johnson’s eligibility?

“If I redshirt him, then the only experience he gets is in spring practice,” Smith said. “And the way I see it is, you’re playing for this year, first and foremost, and then the next year. I’m not worried about four years or three years down the road.”

Smith said he decided last week that if the right situation developed, he would lift starting quarterback Reggie Perry in favor of Johnson.

“There’s a possibility he could play in every game, and possibly even start a game,” said Smith, adding that Perry would be his starter against No. 2-ranked Washington Saturday at the Coliseum.

Johnson welcomed the experience.

“It’s very valuable,” he said. “Coming out of high school, you really don’t know what college (football) is all about. The players are faster and bigger and stronger. There’s always a voice in the back of your head that says, ‘I wonder if I can compete at this level?’ You always think you can, but you’ve got to go out and prove it.”

Johnson, who led two late USC scoring drives, completed six of nine passes for 80 yards and one touchdown.