"So, I can't let up now and I need to prove I'm the starter every day and every rep and on and off the field."
Mustain, who was 8-0 as a starter at Arkansas in 2006, wasn't surprised by the decision to go with Sanchez. But he said he would continue to compete for the job until the team was on the field at Virginia. "They didn't say it was over," he said. "Until they give me that, I'm going to keep playing."
Offensive lineman Jeff Byers is confident Sanchez will take advantage of his opportunity.
"It lets Mark really develop a presence to get guys responding to him in the huddle," Byers said. "Just having that starter status is such a big thing that produces so much respect. He's going to do great."
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USC attempts to keep sports agents out of practices, but Scott Boras and Avengers owner Casey Wasserman were among the onlookers Tuesday. Carroll said Boras, who was on campus to speak before a group, was a college fraternity brother and that he saw no conflict because Boras represents baseball players. Wasserman, a UCLA alum and ardent Bruins booster, is the owner of Wasserman Media Group, which, among other interests, represents athletes. A spokesman said the company doesn't represent football players. Wasserman said he attended practice at the invitation of Carroll, who had met with Wasserman to discuss getting involved in Carroll's "A Better L.A." project. . . . During the Trojans' most spirited practice of the spring, tailback Allen Bradford broke off another long touchdown run and linebacker Rey Maualuga delivered several ferocious hits. . . . Former USC coach John Robinson also attended practice.
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gary.klein@latimes.com
