Mitchell Steps Up as Third Receiver

Top-ranked USC’s search for a third receiver for Saturday’s game against No. 15 Arizona State appears likely to end with a senior who has three career receptions.

Jason Mitchell on Wednesday continued to demonstrate that he is the most experienced receiver competing to help fill the void that was created when flanker Steve Smith broke his left leg against California.

Chris McFoy will start in place of Smith and Dwayne Jarrett will make his first start at split end.

The 6-foot 1-inch, 200-pound Mitchell caught his first pass of the season last week against Cal.

“I’m ready and I’m prepared,” Mitchell said. “I’ve always just been waiting for my chance. I’ve been doing all my assignments right this week and I haven’t dropped any balls.”

Mitchell missed all but the first two days of training camp while awaiting a ruling from USC regarding a summer school class he completed at a community college. He received clearance to rejoin the Trojans the day before the season opener against Virginia Tech but did not accompany the team to Landover, Md. Mitchell played in the next four games and made his first reception at the Coliseum against Cal.

“I didn’t expect to come back and jump right in there after all the time I missed, but now I do feel like I deserve a chance,” he said.

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Defensive tackle Manuel Wright’s right arm was in a sling because of a hyperextended elbow he sustained during Tuesday’s practice. Wright said he was fitted for a brace that was scheduled to arrive Friday. He said he would attempt to practice today with a soft cast.... Defensive end Lawrence Jackson sat out the last part of practice and said X-rays taken of his right shoulder were negative and that he would play Saturday.... Safety Darnell Bing practiced and said he was cleared by doctors to play against Arizona State.... Offensive lineman Kyle Williams returned to practice after missing two days because of headaches.... On the night of the final presidential debate, tight end Alex Holmes emerged from the locker room after practice wearing a red T-shirt emblazoned with gold lettering that read “Pete Carroll for President.”