Booty Takes on No. 1 Role

It has only been a week. Three practices. Spring practices at that.

But USC quarterback John David Booty is taking advantage of every opportunity to show teammates and the revamped Trojan coaching staff that he is prepared to assume a major role next season if needed.

The redshirt sophomore from Louisiana is being treated as the No. 1 quarterback while Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart recovers from elbow surgery.

So far, Booty has looked the part.

Buoyed by increased repetitions with the first-unit offense, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound Booty has been poised and almost unfailingly accurate.

“He’s not thinking, he’s just playing,” said quarterback coach Steve Sarkisian, who is back with the Trojans after a one-year stint on the Oakland Raiders’ staff. “When you’re confident, you deliver strikes. You stick your chest out a little bit and start feeling good about yourself.”

Redshirt freshman Rocky Hinds has also had some shining moments, but Booty appears on track to become Leinart’s backup -- and possible successor -- if he can maintain his performance over the next few weeks and hold off Hinds and incoming freshman Mark Sanchez during training camp.

USC was off Saturday and will not resume practice until Tuesday. But Booty says he is already looking forward to the team’s first scrimmage a week from today.

“It’s a matter of getting in that rhythm and getting the opportunity,” said Booty, 20. “Some people say I look different -- stronger or whatever. But I feel like I’m the same player. I’ve gotten my chance now to just kind of take off with it.”

Like many teammates and observers, Booty was shocked when Leinart announced in January that he would forgo a chance to turn pro and return for a fifth season of eligibility. But he said he did not contemplate transferring and he remained confident he would eventually get the chance to lead the Trojans.

Leinart, who had surgery Jan. 25, is not expected to begin throwing until May. His absence from drills affords Booty a perfect opportunity to assert himself, Coach Pete Carroll said.

“It’s like he’s getting ready to start and trying to get his mentality right ... how you deal with the team and the whole thing,” Carroll said.

“All of the maturity things he might have to wait for, we’re trying to get them in now and try to get him as competitive as possible for the spot.”

Split end Dwayne Jarrett said Booty has become more mobile and is making smart decisions during drills.

“He’s more in control,” Jarrett said. “He knows who’s going where and what pass to make at what time.”

Booty says he welcomes the presence of Sanchez, the Mission Viejo High senior who has observed every spring workout. Sanchez was regarded by many as the top prep quarterback in the nation last season.

“I want SC to be successful for years to come, so I’m happy they’re getting the top-ranked players at every position,” Booty said. “I’m sure he’ll get his time too.... I’m happy to have him. I think he’s a good kid, and I look forward to hanging with him.”

In the meantime, Booty plans to tighten his grip on the backup job. Given Leinart’s condition, and the chance of injury all quarterbacks face, Booty knows he could be one play away from leading a team that is expected to contend for a third consecutive national title.

“You have to have that mind-set,” Booty said. “Even last year when I wasn’t playing, I was thinking that. Now, it’s even more realistic.”