USC football: Receiver Steven Mitchell suffers possible knee injury

USC does not open training camp until August, but the Trojans might have suffered a blow Friday when freshman receiver Steven Mitchell suffered a possible knee injury during a voluntary throwing session on campus.

Lindsey Thiry of Scout.com reports that Mitchell, who played at Mission Hills Alemany High, was running a pass pattern when the incident occurred.

“Mitchell was running a deep route, guarded by freshman defensive back Leon McQuay, when he planted his right leg in the turf to turn for the catch,” Thiry wrote. “His knee buckled, twisting awkwardly. Mitchell spun and went down on his back -- immediately grabbing his knee.”

NCAA rules prohibit training staff from attending voluntary workouts. Thiry reported that while Mitchell screamed in pain, quarterback Max Browne ran for help. The training staff arrived and carted Mitchell from the field.

Dean Herrington, Mitchell’s high school coach, told The Times’ Eric Sondheimer that Mitchell would undergo an MRI exam.

If Mitchell’s injury is serious, it would further deplete the receiving corps.

USC features Biletnikoff Award winner Marqise Lee, but the Trojans lost a possible No. 2 or No. 3 receiver when George Farmer suffered a season-ending knee injury during spring practice.

The Trojans open training camp in early August in preparation for their Aug. 29 opener at Hawaii.

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