USC FOOTBALL: AUSBERRY CLEARED BY NCAA.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF  Staff Writer

The NCAA Clearinghouse approved USC wide receiver David Ausberry over the weekend, leaving only two members of USC's freshman class still waiting for official approval.

Wide receivers Vidal Hazelton and Jamere Holland still need to be cleared by the NCAA to attend school this year.

Holland, who attended Taft High of Woodland Hills, is already out for the season after suffering a fractured collarbone in a 7-on-7 game against El Camino College last month.

Hazelton has been one of the most impressive freshmen in USC's first four days of practice and from the beginning was expected to be one of the last incoming players to be cleared by the NCAA.

Not-so-new defense: There will be plenty of talk that USC is using a 3-4 defense this season, but it's really not any different than the Trojans' 4-3 alignment, aside from the fact a linebacker replaces a defensive end.

It looks like a way to get sophomore linebacker Brian Cushing on the field, with senior Dallas Sartz expected to start at strongside linebacker and gives the Trojans more speed on their pass rush.

Another linebacker being used as a pass-rusher is sophomore Clay Matthews of Agoura, who was awarded a scholarship last week.

Matthews initially played the spot last spring and was successful enough to switch between end and linebacker in training camp.

``We really have some choices,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``We're working to implement guys.''

Secret weapon? Carroll said tight end Fred Davis is one of the biggest surprises of camp and he's also been one of the favorite targets of the quarterbacks.

``By far, Fred Davis has been spectacular in his work habits and had a terrific start,'' Carroll said.

Tailback talk: Just as it was three years ago, the Trojans are rotating a trio of freshmen in training camp with distinct running styles. Carroll has not singled out any of the freshmen, but C.J. Gable of Sylmar got off to a fast start.

``He's a real slasher and really his consistency in bringing the ball downhill has really jumped out,'' Carroll said. ``(Emmanuel) Moody has the most shake- and-bake of all of them.''

The most-decorated of the group, Stafon Johnson, could return punts and play tailback.

Chauncey Washington, the expected starter, is still being brought along slowly because he injured his hamstring six weeks ago.

Injury update: Cornerback Vincent Joseph suffered a high ankle sprain and will probably be out several weeks. ... Wide receiver Travon Patterson continues to be out with general soreness. ... Cornerback Cary Harris bruised his left knee, and wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett has a strained thigh muscle. ... Defensive end Travis Tofi said his foot (stress fracture) felt better and is waiting to see USC doctors on Tuesday for further examination. ... Safety Taylor Mays missed practice because of a death in the family but was scheduled to return Sunday night.

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Tight end Fred Davis has been impressive in camp so far, according to coach Pete Carroll.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images