TROJANS PUT ON A SHOW SANCHEZ, PATTERSON SHINE AS COVETED RECRUIT WATCHES.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF

Staff Writer

With virtually no healthy tailbacks and dwindling depth at other spots, USC's final scrimmage might have been pointless.

But USC coach Pete Carroll used the scrimmage to do what he does best: recruit.

Highly regarded Roxbury (N.J.) linebacker Brendan Beal attended the scrimmage and did everything but commit to the Trojans afterward.

"After seeing this atmosphere and style, it's the total package," Beal said. "I'm kind of speechless. I was waiting for an offer for some time. I've wanted to get out here."

USC offered Beal a scholarship two weeks ago. Florida, Notre Dame and Ohio State also have offered him scholarships. Beal (6-foot-4, 235 pounds) said he wants to make his decision by early summer.

He couldn't stop gushing about USC on Saturday. And it didn't hurt that Trojans linebacker Brian Cushing is also from New Jersey.

"I used to watch him," Beal said. "I've kind of looked up to him."

As for the scrimmage, tailback Hershel Dennis strained his calf, which left the Trojans with Chauncey Washington and converted fullback Stanley Havili, who led all rushers with 110 yards in 12 carries and a touchdown.

"We got pretty thin at the end," Carroll said.

Havili showed he can play two positions, but with USC so thin at fullback, it's probably his last time at the spot.

"I got lucky with the opportunity I had," Havili said. "I was tired even though it might not look like it."

Quarterback John David Booty barely played. His backup, Mark Sanchez, completed 11 of 16 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns with an interception.

It was an improvement over last week's scrimmage, when Sanchez threw two interceptions and fumbled twice.

"This felt pretty good," Sanchez said. "I was more comfortable and didn't rush anything."

The other star was wide receiver Travon Patterson, who caught three passes for 122 yards with a touchdown to go with a 65-yard punt return. But Patterson got caught from behind on a long run by safety Taylor Mays.

"It is rare (to get caught)," Patterson said. "I wasn't paying attention to Taylor. He caught me off guard."

Mays was nonchalant about the impressive tackle.

"It was kind of a bittersweet play," he said. "He's quick and cut back inside and got by me the first time."

Carroll vs. Ferrell: After the scrimmage, Carroll beat actor Will Ferrell in a swimming duel during the annual Swim with Mike fundraiser.

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Vincent Joseph carries the ball Saturday during USC's final spring scrimmage, which impressed at least one recruit.

Gerald Martinez/USCFootball.com