USC running back C.J. Gable says he's staying in school

"My mom wants me to finish school and I want to finish school too," Gable said.

Gable expressed frustration several times during the season about his role in the Trojans' tailback rotation. Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson and Gable shared most of the carries and each gained more than 600 yards.

Gable was upset after the regular-season finale against UCLA because he was benched after fumbling on the first offensive series. He also was removed from the rotation in the Rose Bowl after fumbling.

Gable, who will be a fourth-year junior next season, did not petition for a draft projection from the NFL, but met with Coach Pete Carroll last week to discuss his situation.

"If I could have graduated this year I would be gone," said Gable, a sociology major.

Gable will be part of a tailback corps that is likely to include McKnight, Johnson, Allen Bradford and Curtis McNeal.

"I'm going to have to make a big improvement on my special teams and try and break out on that," said Gable, who returns kickoffs. "That's all I'm trying to focus on because I know running the ball is going to be the same rotation.

"I'm just going to work harder than ever."

Johnson said after the Rose Bowl that he was definitely returning for his senior season because he wanted to win a national championship and achieve more personally.

But in the nearly two weeks since, he has been inundated with advice to turn pro. Johnson said his draft projection was third round or above.

"For the most part, I'm here," Johnson said Monday. "It's 95%"

Bradford, a fourth-year junior who is recovering from hip surgery, met today with offensive coordinator John Morton. Bradford said he was staying at USC and not thinking about transferring.

The Trojans are still awaiting decisions regarding the draft from quarterback Mark Sanchez and safety Taylor Mays.

Thursday is the deadline for players to make themselves available for the draft.

gary.klein@latimes.com