Bush’s Versatility May Play Big Role

USC’s depth problem at receiver is no secret to Arizona State Coach Dirk Koetter.

With Trojan flanker Steve Smith out because of a broken leg, Koetter on Tuesday said, “We have suspicions that we’ll be seeing Reggie Bush all over the place,” when top-ranked USC plays No. 15 Arizona State on Saturday at the Coliseum.

Koetter made his comment during the Pacific 10 Conference’s weekly teleconference call. Bush has caught four touchdown passes and has rushed for three touchdowns. On Tuesday, the sophomore running back also performed drills with receivers.

“Because of the way we split him out there, it isn’t any transition for him at all,” USC Coach Pete Carroll said after practice. “We’re just moving him around some.”

Bush rushed eight times for 23 yards and caught one pass for six yards in USC’s victory over California last week.

He acknowledged Tuesday that his work at receiver might position him for more touches against Arizona State.

“That’s the goal,” he said. “So, we’ll see how it turns out in the game.”

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John David Booty began tossing short passes with trainers this week, the first time the sophomore quarterback has thrown a football in two months. Booty, who is recovering from a nerve problem in his right elbow, said that he hoped to be in throwing shape within a few weeks. Booty is expected to redshirt.... Carroll said safety Scott Ware probably would sit out two weeks because of what is thought to be a stress fracture in his left foot.... Former All-American receiver Mike Williams, who severed professional ties with agent Mike Azzarelli last summer, will be represented by Tony Fleming and Mitch Frankel of Impact Sports Management.... Former All-American Mark Carrier is in his first season as secondary coach for Arizona State.