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Steven Mitchell could play extensively in place of injured Ajene Harris

USC receiver Ajene Harris makes an acrobatic catch against Oregon State on Sept. 27. Harris will miss the Trojans' game Saturday against Arizona State because of a hamstring injury.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
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USC freshman receiver Ajene Harris will be sidelined against Arizona State because of a hamstring injury, Coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday, so Steven Mitchell will play extensively for the first time Saturday.

Mitchell, a redshirt freshman, was regarded as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the 2013 recruiting class. But the former Mission Hills Alemany High standout suffered a knee injury during summer workouts that required surgery.

Mitchell rehabilitated his knee, but he was also slowed by a sports hernia that required two procedures.

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“He’s a really good slot receiver,” Sarkisian said this week, “It’s just developing the confidence with him.”

“Coming off a couple different injuries, it’s the confidence in your own body, that you can go make those plays and you’re playing at full speed. Because when he’s at full speed he’s a dynamic athlete.”

Sarkisian said Mitchell will be challenged to get into the flow of the game.

“I don’t know if he’s exactly back to where he’s capable of being but I think he’s a lot closer,” Sarkisian said. “He’s healthy and ready to go.”

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Twitter: @latimesklein

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