X Could Mark Spot for Jarrett

Dwayne Jarrett is on his way to becoming USC’s X-factor.

The 6-foot-5 freshman receiver from New Jersey continued a torrid training camp Sunday, catching nearly every ball thrown his way -- often in spectacular fashion.

Coach Pete Carroll said Jarrett’s performance through the first five practice days was reminiscent of another 6-5 freshman receiver who arrived at USC in 2002 -- Mike Williams.

“You’re looking to see if he does something every day that makes you remember that he’s out there because that’s exactly what we saw from Mike,” Carroll said.

Jarrett, 17, is making a push to back up Williams at the X position if the NCAA reinstates Williams’ eligibility. If USC’s request on Williams behalf is denied, Jarrett could be in line to start.

“He’s so big and he has hands,” quarterback Matt Leinart said.

Jarrett credits his fast start to opportunity, competition with other receivers and tutoring from Williams.

“He’s helped me out on my release,” Jarrett said. “If I’m doing something wrong out here, he’ll correct me and just show me how to do it the right way.”

Jarrett, Williams and sophomore flanker Steve Smith are only a few of the receivers having a good camp.

Junior William Buchanon has impressed -- particularly on deep routes -- and freshman Fred Davis, sophomore Chris McFoy and junior Greig Carlson have had their moments.

“Everyone is making plays,” Leinart said.

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Leinart’s repetitions are increasing, but sophomore John David Booty has taken the majority of the snaps with the first- and second-unit offenses.

USC coaches would like to have Booty as a redshirt. However, if Leinart is sidelined by a long-term injury or unexpectedly falters, Carroll wants Booty ready.

“We would love to come out of this camp feeling like John David could jump in there and play and we don’t have to miss a beat.” Carroll said. “We’re going to work him as much as possible to get to that point.”

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The offensive line received favorable reviews from sophomore running back LenDale White after its performance the last two days against Trojan veterans.

“I give them an A-plus,” White said. “This is the first time they really came together and were trying to be one unit. The deeper we go into the practices, the better they’re going to be.”

Carroll said the defense is “not playing the run very well right now,” in part because of the offensive line.

“They’re playing better than you think they would for being so new and being mixed and matched around,” Carroll said. “The running game looks solid. The pass protection is still behind.”

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Senior linebacker Matt Grootegoed is awed by the Trojans’ depth -- particularly at linebacker.

“We’re three deep at every position,” said Grootegoed, who will start on the weak side. “We can go into the season a little more at ease compared to the season before when one guy gets hurt it’s like a shuffle.”

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After single workouts the last two days, the Trojans will practice twice today.... Foot problems have slowed offensive lineman John Drake in his comeback from ankle surgery. Drake, who started seven games last season, did not practice Saturday and could not participate in most drills Sunday.