USC FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: CARROLL DEFENSIVE ABOUT CHANGES.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF Staff Writer

USC coach Pete Carroll has never really used a 3-4 defense before, and he's not thrilled with applying that label to the Trojans' newest alignment in training camp.

``We're not calling it a 3-4,'' Carroll said. ``We're just playing what we play. We've got good options with our personnel.''

In reality, USC's new look often features linebacker Brian Cushing moving to defensive end.

It's similar to the role former USC star Willie McGinest played when Carroll coached the New England Patriots.

Because McGinest was athletic enough to play defensive end or linebacker, Carroll could use different formations without substituting, which prevented offenses from adjusting their personnel between plays.

Cushing is versatile enough to be USC's version of McGinest.

``If it's a way to get me on the field, I'm all for it,'' Cushing said.

During one recent practice, Carroll also tried linebacker Dallas Sartz at defensive end and moved Cushing back to linebacker.

``We run real well and real aggressive,'' Carroll said after watching the defense for more than two weeks. ``We've got a chance to be pretty good.''

One of his biggest concerns entering camp was who would play defensive tackle opposite Sedrick Ellis. So far, Fili Moala and Chris Barrett appear ready to split time.

``Both will play with the first group,'' Carroll said.

Familiar faces: Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett (bruised thigh) played with the first unit during Saturday's walkthrough, which means he could see more action tonight.

``Just having Jarrett back adds a dimension to our team,'' USC quarterback John David Booty said.

Carroll said he is not overly worried about the less-than-impressive passing numbers in recent scrimmages going into tonight's mock game.

``We're just hoping to continue to run the club right,'' he said. ``We're still playing against ourselves and not putting in the game plan yet.''

Tailback Desmond Reed, who is working back into the offense after getting cleared following last year's knee surgery, played tailback in the Trojans' two-minute offense.

Injury report: Tight end Jimmy Miller (Westlake) is gradually coming back after being slowed by two sprained ankles.

He originally twisted his ankle playing basketball in the summer then did it again in training camp.

Cornerback Kevin Thomas is back practicing after being out with numbness in his arm.

Free scrimmage: USC will stage a mock game tonight at the Coliseum, which is free to the public.

Considering the Trojans scrimmaged Thursday night, it might not resemble a conventional game.

``It'll be at a team tempo, but we won't do all tackling,'' Carroll said. ``We'll get a lot of plays in but we'll divide our team so we can do substitutions and everything like a real game.''

In addition to the crowd, there will be simulated crowd noise. Last year's event, which was in the afternoon, drew between 15,000 and 20,000 fans.

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(1) JARRETT

(2) REED