USC football practices are a draw

The evening crowds shifted from one spot to another, pressing close to the sideline to watch passing drills, then gathering in the far corner of the field where defensive linemen pounded on tackling dummies. There were babies in strollers and kids playing catch.

If the evening had a carnival feel, that was just fine by Coach Pete Carroll.

"We had a big night," he said. "It was fun for everybody."

The Trojans' open-door policy is a big hit with fans but has drawn some criticism in football circles. Skeptics have wondered if the crowds present a distraction.

Carroll doesn't think so.

"In the NFL, for all those years, there were always people at practice during camp," he said. "So this isn't that unusual. I think it's unusual to go the other way, to tell you the truth."

There is also the question of unwanted guests.

The team checks driver's licenses and asks for basic information at the front gate. Fan or alumnus? Where do you work? Still, agents have been spotted on the field.

Carroll insists that agents and runners aren't going to break NCAA rules in plain view. He believes it is more important to educate players so they act accordingly when away from the team.

The coach also believes that having fans at practice helps his team prepare.

"Our guys were performing," he said of Sunday night's practice. "They could feel it's like a game and that's good when you're trying to get ready to play."

Quick hits

Once again Mark Sanchez watched practice from a golf cart. The quarterback said he would begin rehabilitation this afternoon. . . . Receivers Vidal Hazelton, Ronald Johnson and Jordan Cameron missed morning practice with assorted injuries. Hazelton, who suffered a hand injury and a sprained ankle, said he hoped to participate in the afternoon session.

david.wharton@latimes.com