Catching the torch
At a position where huge expectations are part of the job description, USC receivers appear to have the right qualifications.
At least in terms of size.
The starting lineup features 6-foot-4 flanker Patrick Turner and 6-5 split end David Ausberry.
But towering frames have not reduced what many regard as top-ranked USC's main question mark. With Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith catching passes in the NFL, can a largely untested group fill the void?
"It is a big concern -- we don't know yet," Coach Pete Carroll said.
Quarterback John David Booty, whose Heisman Trophy chances are literally in the receivers' hands, is already convinced.
"These guys worked hard in the spring, the summer and through fall camp," Booty said. "They're ready to step up."
It will require a big step.
Jarrett, USC's all-time receptions leader, established a Pacific 10 Conference record with 41 touchdown catches before declaring for the NFL draft after his junior season. The Carolina Panthers selected the 6-5 Jarrett in the second round.
Smith, a second-round pick by the New York Giants, led the Trojans with 71 catches last season, many coming on clutch third-down receptions.
Jarrett knows what it feels like to carry the burden of expectations left by a predecessor. As a freshman, he replaced Mike Williams, a freshman All-American in 2002 who had become perhaps college football's most dominant receiver in 2003.
Jarrett offered this season's receiving corps some advice.
"I would say, 'Just don't worry about living up to my expectations, of Mike or any other receiver that passed through,' " Jarrett said. "You want to be confident and have high expectations to do it for yourself."
Turner, a junior who caught 29 passes last season, is the dean of a receiving corps that was largely recruited by Lane Kiffin, USC's former receivers coach and offensive coordinator.
John Morton, a former New Orleans Saints assistant, was hired as passing game coordinator and receivers coach in February when Kiffin became the Oakland Raiders' head coach.
"Patrick is definitely the leader," Morton said.
Turner arrived at USC from Nashville in 2005 and donned the No. 1 jersey that Williams had worn. But Turner rarely got a starring role in a rotation with Jarrett and Smith.
He did, however, have his moments.
Last season, with Jarrett out because of injury, Turner caught 12 passes for 116yards and a touchdown against Washington.
