Quarterbacks aim at possible job opening

Aaron Corp thinks about it.

So does Mitch Mustain.

And recruit Matt Barkley, who observed USC’s first two Rose Bowl practices, has no doubt sensed the possibility or heard someone mention it.

With junior quarterback Mark Sanchez seeking an evaluation of his NFL draft status, the competition to possibly replace him as the starter next season might have already begun.

“A lot of people would like to avoid that, but it’s real,” Mustain said of Sanchez’s possible departure.

Corp, a redshirt freshman, and Mustain, a third-year sophomore, split first-team snaps again Saturday as Sanchez was held out because of general soreness.

Both had their moments, but Corp shined for the second consecutive day, Coach Pete Carroll said.

Corp, who was listed at 185 pounds when he arrived from Orange Lutheran High in 2007, appears to be reaping the benefits of USC’s strength and conditioning program.

His upper body is more developed and he said he now weighs 201 pounds.

“I feel better, more comfortable, instead of just being so frail,” Corp said.

Mustain also has looked sharp at times.

The Arkansas transfer was the No. 2 quarterback for most of the season and is looking forward to more opportunities with the first unit during the bowl run-up.

If Sanchez declares for the draft in mid-January, the competition to replace him will heat up in spring practice.

Seeking an opinion

Junior running back Stafon Johnson said he submitted paperwork Friday for an evaluation of his possible NFL draft position.

“I just want to know where I’m at, what I need to work on,” said Johnson, who has 642 yards and nine touchdowns in a team-high 123 carries. “For the most part, I’m here to stay and that’s my mind-set right now. After the Rose Bowl, we’ll see what happens.”

Seto still deciding

Secondary coach Rocky Seto said he was still deciding whether to accept an offer from Steve Sarkisian to become Washington’s defensive coordinator.

Seto, a former Trojans linebacker, has been a member of USC’s coaching staff since 1999, when he served as a volunteer assistant.

Carroll is competing to keep Seto on his staff -- “The battle is on,” he said -- but acknowledged that the opportunity in Seattle might be too good for Seto to pass up.

Quick kicks

Linebacker Rey Maualuga and safety Taylor Mays were selected to the Football Writers Assn. of America and the cbssports.com All-American teams. . . . The Trojans will not practice again until Thursday.

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gary.klein@latimes.com