USC Gets Younger at Heart

Like many football programs, USC adopts and recycles slogans each season to motivate players and remind them of important principles.

“It’s all about the ball” and “Protect the team” have been staples during the Pete Carroll era.

After four games, the Trojans unofficially and unequivocally have another: “Youth will be served.”

Carroll’s penchant for putting first-year players on the field, a philosophy born of necessity after he took over a middling program in 2001, has reached record heights.

A total of 15 freshmen played in victories over Arkansas, Nebraska, Arizona and Washington State. Most contributed on special teams or as reserves, but several are starters or prominent playmakers. C.J. Gable and Emmanuel Moody have started at tailback, Stanley Havili at fullback and Taylor Mays at safety.

With junior receiver Dwayne Jarrett questionable and senior Chris McFoy definitely out of Saturday’s Pacific 10 Conference game against Washington, two more freshmen, Vidal Hazelton and Travon Patterson, could emerge for the Trojans.

“It’s been that way since I’ve been here,” said linebacker Dallas Sartz, a fifth-year senior. “If you’re good enough to play, you’re going to get on the field.”

Carroll played seven freshmen in 2001, 12 in 2002, 13 in 2003, eight in 2004 and 11 last season.

USC’s 4-0 record might not reflect it, but the youth movement affects game planning, play-calling and just about every facet of the program.

“Are we held back a little bit? Sure. That’s only natural,” Carroll said. “But we’ve found ways to do most of everything.

“They just can’t do it exactly, the best way, for everything. We make do with what we have.”

What the Trojans have, after four consecutive top-tier recruiting classes, is perhaps the nation’s deepest roster. Despite numerous injuries, third-ranked USC is again in contention for a possible berth in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

“They’re still very talented and they’re still very well-coached,” Washington Coach Tyrone Willingham said.

USC has been plagued at times by inconsistency on offense and defense, however.

The Trojans scored 50 points in the opener against Arkansas, causing some observers to believe there would be little or no drop-off from last season, when Heisman Trophy winners Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush starred for a team that averaged 49 points a game.

But USC has not scored more than 28 points in any of the last three games.

“It’s a continual work in progress,” offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said. “Now that guys have some basics down, how much further can you take them?”

Carroll cites quarterback John David Booty. The fourth-year junior, who sat behind Leinart for three seasons, has performed beyond most expectations in his first season as the starter, completing 68% of his passes with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions.

“He might not see some things Matt might have seen; he might not take advantage [of] all that he has at his disposal yet,” Carroll said.

USC also is searching for a consistent running attack, though the Trojans are averaging 4.6 yards per rushing play. “When you have to worry is when you’re playing games averaging two or three yards a carry,” Kiffin said. “That’s what some other people go through and we haven’t had to do that yet.”

Kiffin said he second-guesses himself right along with fans. Watching film provides opportunities to dissect and learn about USC’s young personnel.

“As you’re second-guessing you’re improving too,” he said. “When that exact situation happens again ... you’ve got to understand your team. At the right times and in the right spots, who are the people to go to?”

As often as not, it could be a freshman.

“I think it goes back to why we’ve been so successful over the years,” Kiffin said. “Because playing those guys early and figuring them out, we go through the bumps and bruises right away with them.

“They’ve played a lot of snaps by the end of the year and you’ve learned a lot about them as well.”

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Split end Dwayne Jarrett (shoulder) said he would suit up for Saturday’s game. “If they need me I’ll play. If they don’t I won’t,” he said.... Right guard Chilo Rachal (ankle) participated in most drills and said he could start. Carroll, however, said Alatini Malu probably would start.... Gable (groin) returned to practice and Carroll said he would play and return kickoffs.... Nose tackle Sedrick Ellis will play, but his status as the starter is uncertain. Chris Barrett will start at the other tackle spot, Carroll said.... Reserve fullback David Buehler, who was punched in the head by walk-on running back John Griffin during a meeting Tuesday, said he did not anticipate any disciplinary action. “It was just heat-of-the-moment stuff,” Buehler said. “Stuff happens.”

gary.klein@latimes.com