SC NOTEBOOK: A PATIENT SMITH YET TO MAKE MARK.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

Remember Steve Smith?

The former Taft High of Woodland Hills star was a major surprise in training camp and quickly became USC's No. 3 wide receiver.

But he's been hard to spot in USC's first three games, catching just one pass for 8 yards. That's the same number of receptions as fullback Whitney Lewis, another freshman who played in just one game.

USC coach Pete Carroll said this week it's important for Smith to get experience during scrimmage situations. Smith said he's remaining patient.

``We've passed the ball but not too much,'' Smith said. ``Matt (Leinart) hasn't been able to spread it around like we want to.

``I'm learning and I'm ready. I guess it's a humbling experience.''

It's particularly difficult when the top wide receiver is sophomore Mike Williams, whose 21 receptions are more than all the other receivers combined. Smith's also playing behind the second-leading receiver, senior Keary Colbert, who has 10 catches.

``Last year, Mike Williams came in right away because Kareem (Kelly) was slacking off, but I've got two guys at their peak ahead of me,'' Smith said.

--No animosity: The fact freshman quarterback John David Booty is splitting first-team snaps with Leinart hasn't led to dissension among the veteran backups. At least not publicly.

``It's nothing against any of us,'' junior quarterback Matt Cassel of Chatsworth said. ``You know they have to take a look and develop him. It's just one of those things you have to deal with. I'm not losing sleep over it.''

Even junior Brandon Hance of Taft, who probably would benefit most from first-team experience because of his many injuries, doesn't seem to mind.

``We're at a point where the coaches need to make a decision on who to redshirt,'' Hance said. ``I don't look at it as (a slight).''

Booty said he hoped his increased role would not cause jealousy among the other quarterbacks.

``We don't hang out 24-7 but we're friends and we talk,'' Booty said. ``I would hope they'd be happy for me.''

--Weight loss: Hance weighs just 190 pounds, more than 15 below his playing weight two years ago at Purdue. He attributed it to rotator cuff surgery last year.

--Another look: Carroll said Lewis is benefiting from the bye week.

``It looks like Whitney's had a lot more practice time,'' Carroll said. ``I like the work Whitney's getting. He's needed to catch up because he's playing a new position.''

--Scrimmage time: USC has scheduled a short scrimmage today with Booty, Hance and Cassel expected to share playing time.

--Katnik rests: Center Norm Katnik did not practice because of a sore knee that caused him to limp Wednesday. Offensive tackle Jacob Rogers also will not practice this week, to rest the strained foot he's had since training camp.

Fullback Brandon Hancock (sprained ankle) went through live contact and said he felt fine. He expects to be available for the California game next week.

--Hospital visit: Carroll and more than a dozen players visited USC Women and Children's Hospital in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

--High output: The 93 points USC and Hawaii scored Saturday were the most for a Trojans game since 1970.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com

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STEVE SMITH

Former Taft High star has caught just one pass for 8 yards.