Three players dealing with grief

Amid preparations for the most challenging stretch of their schedule, three USC football players are attempting to remain focused after absorbing heavy doses of reality and personal loss.

Close relatives or friends of running back Desmond Reed, offensive tackle Kyle Williams and defensive end Lawrence Jackson died within the last week.

“We have to be respectful and supportive and always just step out of the way,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “Football’s way down the line when it comes to these kinds of issues.

“I don’t even hesitate at stuff our guys have to attend to.”

Reed left for Alabama after Thursday’s practice to attend the funeral for his grandmother, who died of kidney failure. He will not play Saturday against Oregon, Carroll said.

“My grandmother was a huge role model,” Reed said.

Receiver Patrick Turner, defensive back Terrell Thomas and receiver Travon Patterson auditioned to return punts in Reed’s absence.

Williams, a Texas native, participated in part of Thursday’s workout, then left Thursday night for his home state to attend the funeral of his friend Elizabeth Toon. Toon, 22, was killed Sunday in a hit-and-run incident in Hollywood as she crossed the street.

“She was one of my best friends, someone we all just loved a lot,” said Williams, who was scheduled to return this afternoon. “I’m going to dedicate the rest of the season to her memory.”

Jackson’s cousin, John Kevin Shedden Jr., 25, died Saturday after he was involved in a car accident in the San Fernando Valley. Jackson said he would attend his cousin’s funeral next week.

“It’s the first death of a close friend or relative and it’s kind of hard to deal with,” he said.

“My cousin always talked about how he wanted to go out and play football one more time, so I just want to take advantage of every opportunity.”

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Drew Radovich will continue to start at right guard, but offensive line coach Pat Ruel said Alatini Malu would get increased playing time at the spot because of Radovich’s play against Stanford.

“The consensus, starting with me, was that he did not perform up to the standards we would like,” Ruel said.

Radovich agreed.

“I didn’t have my best game.... I know that and they let me know that,” he said. “This will just give me more of a boost to work harder. It’s a wake-up call.”

Malu started at right guard against Washington because Chilo Rachal was injured.

Ruel said Malu’s consistent play warranted more opportunities and competition.

“I’ll just be ready when I’m called upon,” Malu said. “You just have to be patient.”

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Quarterback John David Booty said the Trojans have sharpened their preparation, on and off the field, for games against Oregon, California, Notre Dame and UCLA.

“Everybody’s watching film; more guys are doing that and going about it the right way,” he said. “We know what we want to do and what we want to accomplish and I think everyone is taking it to heart.”

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Defensive lineman Travis Tofi has returned from a foot injury and will play against Oregon, Carroll said.... USC’s homecoming festivities will begin on campus at 3 p.m. Saturday.

gary.klein@latimes.com