Jarrett’s Workload Increases

All-American split end Dwayne Jarrett, who had a leg injury throughout training camp and the week leading up to the season opener, assumed a much heavier workload Monday as fourth-ranked USC returned from a weekend off and began preparing for 19th-ranked Nebraska.

Jarrett caught five passes for 35 yards against Arkansas, production far below the expectations he created last season when he led the Trojans with 91 catches, 16 for touchdowns.

“Whatever it was, he didn’t go out and play like an All-American,” offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said after practice. “We have had guys here, the Reggie Bushes, that have showed that every day in practice. ... We want him to go out there and dominate. We don’t want him to go out there and be another guy.”

Kiffin said he assumed part of the blame for Jarrett’s performance against Arkansas because he asked the junior to execute certain plays without the benefit of full participation in practice. Kiffin added that Jarrett’s workload this week would prepare him for a better showing against the Cornhuskers.

“Hopefully it was a fluke,” Kiffin said of the opener. “I just know it wasn’t up to what’s acceptable for him, so we’re going to get it fixed. He knows that and he responded great.”

Jarrett, who turned 20 on Monday, said the open date last weekend allowed him to rest his left quadriceps. He also said he did not mind critical comments made by Kiffin, which appeared in Monday’s edition of the Lincoln Journal Star.

“It just pushes me to get better, it doesn’t irk me at all,” he said. “I just try to go out there each week, come out on the practice field and get better.”

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The Trojans, already hit by the season-ending knee injury suffered by safety Josh Pinkard, were holding their breath after defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis was carted from the field early in practice because of an apparent knee injury.

Coach Pete Carroll said Ellis “tweaked” his knee during a walk-through. The junior was scheduled to have an MRI exam Monday night, according to a USC official.

Ellis played a strong game against Arkansas. He made three tackles, including a sack, and forced a fumble.

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Carroll said senior middle linebacker Oscar Lua was “questionable” for Nebraska because of a hamstring injury suffered against Arkansas, so sophomore Rey Maualuga is on track to make his first career start.

Maualuga proclaimed himself ready to command the defense.

“I had to learn to master the defense, to be at the right places at the right time,” said Maualuga, who made six tackles in the opener. “I feel like I’ve done that.”

Maualuga says he is looking forward to playing against Nebraska receiver Maurice Purify, a former teammate at Eureka High.

“Hopefully there will be a great chance where I’ll see him over the middle or something,” Maualuga said, grinning. “It’s a great accomplishment for two people to come out of a very small town. I think about 50 people from Eureka will be there at the game.”

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Tailback Chauncey Washington (hamstring) did not practice and is questionable for the Nebraska game, Carroll said. ... Cornerback Kevin Thomas (ankle) said he hoped to return today. ... Offensive lineman Jeff Byers did not practice and said he would have an epidural injection today to relieve pain caused by a cyst in his back. ... ESPN’s “College GameDay” program will originate from the Coliseum on Saturday.

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gary.klein@latimes.com