SC NOTEBOOK: KELLY STEPS UP FOR USC.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

If USC coach Pete Carroll noticed a difference this week in practice, it's been the attitude and effort of wide receiver Kareem Kelly, who has made himself a team leader.

``He's displayed through his actions and communication a new will to work and is working harder than any time since I've been here,'' Carroll said Thursday. ``His effort has really come around.''

Kelly did several things this week to demonstrate his personal growth. He met Tuesday with offensive coordinator Norm Chow and sought ways to improve his performance, was a vocal presence at a team meeting Wednesday and caught Carroll's eye with his on-field performance.

``I had to do something,'' Kelly said. ``It was getting out of control and there were a few days where it was silent. I'm not really a verbal leader too much.

``But my coaches and the players are looking for me to do big things. I have to come through for the team.''

Kelly said he stressed unity to the Trojans in practice, especially during the team's post-practice meeting.

``We have to think like a family and stick together no matter what happens,'' he said.

Carroll said Kelly has matured and become one of the team's pleasant surprises.

``It's encouraging because there's been a number of things since I've been here that I've seen him make adjustments at,'' Carroll said.

--New receiver? Freshman quarterback Matt Cassel of Chatsworth should see his first action of the season Saturday, but it won't be at quarterback. Cassel played slotback in practice and is expected to be used in the new role against Washington on Saturday.

The move is not a full-time switch but a way to get Cassel on to the field.

--No decision: Carroll said he not decided yet if Faaesea Mailo or Norm Katnik would start at left guard. Katnik started last week, but both played.

--All-purpose player: Junior college wide receiver Grant Mattos has had a tough job the past few weeks, playing both the H-back and flanker positions. That means Mattos has to learn twice as many routes on most plays.

``It gets difficult at times because of moving from one point to theother,'' Mattos said. ``I'm starting to get a better feel for it now. It was a little confusing the first week, but now I'm at the point I've got to know it.''

--Injury update: Linebacker Matt Grootegoed (shoulder) didn't practice much Thursday but will make the trip to Washington.