Kicker Danelo Is Building on Success

Mario Danelo’s record-setting performance last season went largely unnoticed for a USC team that scored touchdowns seemingly at will.

But after five games, the junior kicker from San Pedro has established himself as a prominent weapon for the unbeaten Trojans, who are still looking to hit their stride on offense.

Danelo made all four of his field-goal attempts in a 26-20 victory over Washington on Saturday that kept third-ranked USC on track for a possible berth in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

Danelo, the son of former NFL kicker Joe Danelo, converted from 34, 25, 32 and 21 yards after drives stalled against the Huskies.

“I don’t know when the games are going to be close and when they’re not going to be,” Danelo said. “You just have to go out with the same mind-set that you’re going to make them all.”

In 2005, Danelo made 11 of 12 field-goal attempts and established NCAA records for extra points (83) and attempts (86). He has made nine of 10 field-goal attempts this season.

“I definitely feel like I’m better,” he said. “I’m more confident. I’ve been out there in different situations, I’ve matured and my leg is getting a little stronger.”

USC (5-0 overall, 3-0 in the Pacific 10 Conference) plays Arizona State (3-2, 0-2) on Saturday at the Coliseum.

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Quarterback Michael McDonald has thrown two passes in his career, both for touchdowns.

“The coaches just call the right plays for me and guys make catches for me,” McDonald said jokingly.

McDonald’s 20-yard pass to flanker Steve Smith on a fake field goal in the first quarter against Washington gave USC a lead it never relinquished.

Smith had been in for a third-down play and stayed on the field near the sideline as the field-goal unit came on.

“I couldn’t even see Steve as I was kneeling down; he blended into the whole sideline,” said McDonald, the holder for field goals and extra points. “Once I got the snap, I saw him sprinting down the field and I was just like, ‘Get it out there.’ The throw was low but he went down and got it.

“It was cool.”

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Freshman tailback Allen Bradford took a few snaps at fullback for the first time during Monday’s short workout. Coach Pete Carroll said Bradford was not switching positions.

“As we always do, we’re continuing to experiment to see where guys can help us,” Carroll said.

Bradford started training camp at safety, switched to running back, returned to safety and switched back to offense last week.

“Anything to get on the field,” Bradford said.

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Smith (ankle) said he would have an MRI exam today but expected to play on Saturday against Arizona State at the Coliseum.... Split end Dwayne Jarrett (shoulder) practiced and Carroll said he would play against Arizona State.... Linebacker Oscar Lua (leg bruise) did not practice, but he said he had his knee drained and would play in the game.... Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart is scheduled to attend Saturday’s game as part of the 2007 class of USC’s Hall of Fame, which will be introduced at halftime.

gary.klein@latimes.com