Sanchez’s Debut Also a Success

Lost in the hoopla that surrounded John David Booty’s impressive performance against Arkansas in his first start was the debut of another USC quarterback.

Redshirt freshman Mark Sanchez took his first snaps midway through the fourth quarter and directed two series. Sanchez’s 19-yard pass to freshman receiver Travon Patterson set up USC’s last touchdown.

“I was just happy to be out there and pumped up,” Sanchez said Wednesday. “I felt like I was in high school again. It just felt good, and things were real clear.”

Though Sanchez played a small role in the opener -- he completed one of two passes -- he knows he could become prominent in an instant if Booty is injured.

Booty, who had back surgery in March, absorbed no major hits against Arkansas and has shown no signs of soreness this week.

But Sanchez acknowledged he could be “a play away” from running the offense.

“It’s like being the vice president,” he said. “You just have to be ready to step in at all times.”

To that end, Sanchez’s attention on the sideline against Arkansas was far keener than it was during games last season. With Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart and Booty ahead of him, it was clear early on that Sanchez would redshirt.

“Last year during games it was easier for me to drift,” he said. “I wasn’t in on every play.”

Now, Sanchez stands near assistant head coach Steve Sarkisian and listens intently. If Sarkisian signals a play that requires Booty to look at his wristband, Sanchez checks his too.

“I’m just real in tune with what’s going on,” he said.

Sanchez is looking forward to the third-ranked Trojans’ Sept. 16 home opener against No. 21-ranked Nebraska. He will be ready if Booty falters or is injured, or if the Trojans require him again for mop-up duty.

“It felt good to just get a couple series under my belt and to almost get a touchdown pass,” he said. “Maybe we’ll get a touchdown in the Coliseum. That would be nice.”

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Tailback Stafon Johnson, who was not among the 12 true freshmen who played in the opener, went through the first two days of practice this week with increased verve and attention to detail.

Johnson said he was visibly upset after the Arkansas game because he did not get to contribute to the victory.

“I was hurt that I couldn’t help my teammates as much as I wanted to,” he said.

Johnson, however, called the experience “a reality check,” and says he has practiced this week with renewed purpose.

Coach Pete Carroll said Johnson was particularly impressive Tuesday and Wednesday during team drills that focused on the rushing attack.

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Freshman Taylor Mays remains on track to start at safety in place of Josh Pinkard, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against Arkansas.... Middle linebacker Oscar Lua (hamstring) said he would sit out the rest of the week with hopes of returning on Monday.... Booty, cornerback Terrell Thomas, snapper Will Collins, tight end Nick Vanderboom, linebacker Josh Tatum and fullback Brandon Hancock, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp, joined Carroll, the USC band and song girls in a visit to USC Women’s and Children’s Hospital.... USC will practice this afternoon and then practice at 6:30 a.m. Friday so coaches can travel to recruit during the off weekend.

gary.klein@latimes.com