Mitchell’s Return Adds Experience

USC’s depth at receiver improved Monday when senior Jason Mitchell joined the team for the first time since the second day of training camp.

Mitchell was held out while he awaited a ruling from USC regarding a summer school class he completed at a community college.

Mitchell played in every game last season but caught only two passes for 27 yards.

Still, he is regarded as a welcome addition to a receiving corps that lacks experience.

“He didn’t have a lot of catches but he played a lot of plays and knows what’s going on out there,” receivers coach Lane Kiffin said.

Mitchell said he telephoned teammates before their season-opening victory over Virginia Tech and called former Trojan flanker Keary Colbert throughout the television broadcast.

“I don’t think we’re really missing anything but timing.” Mitchell said. “They’re just young. Hopefully, whatever we do need, I can help.”

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Freshman wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, who caught two passes against Virginia Tech, was absent Monday because he was given permission to stay on the East Coast with family for an extra day, Coach Pete Carroll said.

Jarrett, from New Jersey, is the Trojans’ youngest player. He will turn 18 on Sept. 11, the day USC resumes its schedule against Colorado State.

Carroll said he was aware that freshmen from faraway states often are homesick.

“There’s no question that guys have to work their way through that,” Carroll said. “His whole family was in, there was a wedding the day before and he had missed all of that stuff. To steal a day there, I think, was of value for him.”

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Senior fullback Lee Webb caught the first pass of his career in the third quarter against Virginia Tech and gained 14 yards.

“I ate too much before so I was kind of slow, but I got up-field,” said Webb, whose reception came one play before Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush connected on a 53-yard touchdown play.

Webb, 6-foot, 240 pounds, is primarily a blocker. Last season, he started five games and carried the ball four times for no yardage.

He might not have another reception all season, but Webb said his catch against Virginia Tech would keep defenses guessing.

“I think people will look at that and figure, ‘He’s not just in there for the run,’ ” he said.

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Carroll said last week that he was over the NCAA’s decision to deny USC’s request to reinstate Mike Williams’ eligibility. But he could not help making a few digs when asked about two other situations involving his players.

Of Mitchell’s case, Carroll said, “We fared a little bit better with the university than Mike fared with the NCAA.”

Carroll said USC was attempting to have the NCAA restore a year of eligibility for senior safety Greg Farr, who transferred to USC from Palomar College as a walk-on in 2002. Farr did not make the trip for the opener because his status was in question.

Asked if he was optimistic that Farr would return, Carroll said, “Guess who we’re dealing with.”

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Freshman offensive lineman Chilo Rachal returned to practice after being cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse. Defensive lineman Thomas Herring, tight end Eugene Germany and wide receiver Derrick Jones are still being held out. Asked if Jones would be back, Carroll said, “It doesn’t sound like that’s happening.” ... Quarterback John David Booty has not practiced for more than a week because of soreness caused by a blow to his right elbow. Carroll said Booty might throw lightly Wednesday.... Defensive lineman Jeff Schweiger, linebacker Keith Rivers and center Jeff Byers are among the young players expected to get increased first-team repetitions during the bye week. The Trojans are scheduled to practice the next three days but will be off Friday, Saturday and Sunday.... Carroll said running back Hershel Dennis is attending classes and staying in shape but remains suspended from the team for violating team rules. Law enforcement sources have identified Dennis as the focus of an ongoing sexual assault investigation that may involve one or more members of the team. Asked if any players had been contacted by police, Carroll said, “I have no updates.”