USC COULD GET FRESH LOOKS AT RECEIVER.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF  Staff Writer

When USC freshmen wide receivers Vidal Hazelton and Travon Patterson return to their apartment every night, the conversation inevitably turns to one subject.

``We always talk about the same thing. Do you think we will play?'' Patterson said. ``We go back and forth. It's hard not to talk about. We've never been on the sidelines before. We're not used to it.''

For the first time this season, it might be more than idle talk this week, particularly for Hazelton. With senior wide receiver Chris McFoy out for at least a month with a fractured shoulder and Dwayne Jarrett day-to- day with a sprained shoulder, USC's freshmen could be thrust into an important role against Washington.

``I can sense more playing time now,'' Hazelton said. ``I think I'm more ready than I was ever before. I was never sure before going out to the line of scrimmage. I don't have to go out on the field wondering what I have to do anymore.''

USC coach Pete Carroll said he noticed an improved Hazelton this week in practices.

``I really do see a difference,'' Carroll said. ``That translates into more turns in practice and more in the game. There's more of a sense that everything is coming together. It's exciting to watch.''

Hazelton is still waiting for his first career reception, but if he gets it Saturday, it will be even more special because his father, Dexter, will attend his first USC game.

Last winter, there was an uproar when Hazelton committed to USC but his father refused to sign the letter of intent and made him take a visit to PennState.

According to sources, there was also a heated phone call between Dexter Hazelton and USC coach Pete Carroll in which profanities were exchanged.

``They weren't really yelling at each other,'' Vidal Hazelton said. ``People think they were arguing and crazy. It was nothing bad going on.''

Eventually, Dexter Hazelton consented and signed the letter of intent, allowing his son to come to USC.

Vidal Hazelton, who is originally from New York and was ranked one of the top 10 players in the nation, said he only wanted to go to college in a big city, which made Penn State an odd choice.

``My dad was never against USC,'' he said. ``It was partly my fault. Toward the end of recruiting I got scared and he was just making sure it was the right place for me.''

As one of the top 10 players in the nation, Hazelton was expected to make an immediate impact, like Jarrett and former USC wide receiver Mike Williams did their freshmen years.

But Hazelton hit a wall in training camp, overwhelmed by the playbook and the physical stress of camp.

``When I first got here, I thought they would slow down (things for freshmen). But you either catch on or study harder,'' Hazelton said. ``In high school, I didn't put effort into running routes. I knew I would catch the ball. Now it's like NFL-oriented offenses. You want to just run routes but you can't.

``I can go and contribute now. The coaches asked me to work hard and focus and study films.''

He's also taken a crash course in blocking techniques.

``I looked at blocking as just touching them and pushing in high school,'' Hazelton said. ``Now, you have to take angles and cut them. It's harder. I don't think this week is harder for me because the coaches have been after me all year.''

Patterson, who has one reception for 19 yards, said he went through the same problems as Hazelton trying to learn all the plays.

``At times, it's hard. Everything is fast tempo and rushed,'' Patterson said. ``I have to make sure I'm running the right play and I'm on the same page with everyone else.''

There's been much anticipation with Patterson because he is the fastest player on the team. In training camp, offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin talked about getting Patterson filling some of former tailback Reggie Bush's role in the offense. That hasn't happened yet.

``I think I can contribute right now,'' Patterson said. ``I have to play like I'm older.''

One issue Patterson does not need to overcome is adjusting to life on the opposite coast because he is from Long Beach. But he frequently takes Hazelton to his house to keep the East Coast native from getting homesick.

``He does miss home, but he can stick it out here,'' Patterson said. ``He saw how Jarrett and Patrick Turner adapted to this side of the country.''

Said Hazelton: ``Since I came down here, his family is like my second family.''

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Photo:

(1 -- color) USC freshman receiver Vidal Hazelton could get more playing time against Washington after a good week of camp.

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

(2) As one of USC's fastest players, wide receiver Travon Patterson could be utilized much like Reggie Bush was.

Brian Bahr/Getty Images