USC FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: JOHNSON STILL CONFIDENT.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF  Staff Writer

USC freshman tailback Stafon Johnson said he met with coach Pete Carroll following his demotion to the scout team this week, but was not discouraged after being relegated to being the Trojans' fourth tailback.

``I met with him and let him know I'm aware of what I need to work on,'' Johnson said. ``I knew it wasn't necessarily an on-going thing, but I want to work with the first-team offense.''

Johnson, perhaps the most highly touted of USC's freshman tailbacks, acknowledged he had an inconsistent training camp. He did not always go 100 percent in practice and also needs to work on his blocking.

``It's more about consistency,'' Johnson said. ``One day I would come and do something and the next day I wouldn't. I just feel I have to improve myself back to where I want to be. Confidence is the main thing. You must have confidence.''

Johnson took a step in the right direction scoring two touchdowns in Saturday's mock game for the scout team.

``I'm not sure if it will change things,'' he said. ``It's all up to the coaches.''

Status quo: USC released its depth chart and it contained no real surprises, mainly because so many decisions were put off for another week.

Middle linebacker was listed as Rey Maualuga ``or'' Oscar Lua. The feeling is that Maualuga will probably start but Carroll acknowledged Lua, who is a captain, could overcome Maualuga's physical advantage.

``Some guys bring a level of confidence that helps other guys play better,'' Carroll said. ``The experience makes up for the physical. We want guys who play fast and that's not necessarily the fastest guys. Oscar's taken advantage of that.''

One cornerback spot listed Cary Harris (Notre Dame High of Sherman Oaks) or Kevin Thomas. Chris Barrett and Fili Moala were listed as co-starters at defensive tackle.

At tailback, the starter was Chauncey Washington or C.J.Gable (Sylmar), but Gable is expected to start unless Washington (hamstring) makes a significant recovery next week.

Offensive guard officially lists Drew Radovich or Jeff Byers, although Radovich is considered the starter.

Keep playing: It was supposed to be a short mock game that lasted about one half. But after the scout team scored two touchdowns in the first half, the Trojans played another half so the first team could re-assert its dominance.

Johnson scored two touchdowns for the scout team while Gable and Allen Bradford looked strong for the first team. Chris McFoy and Desmond Reed caught touchdown passes. John David Booty threw an interception when Patrick Turner slipped and safety Alfred Rowe caught the pass. McFoy is the fourth receiver, behind Jarrett, Steve Smith and Turner.

Linebacker Brian Cushing experienced back pains Friday night and sat out the scrimmage. Linebacker Kaluka Maiava left the scrimmage with a sore shoulder.

Carroll said the scrimmage showed areas that needed to be fixed before next week's season-opener.

``Some sideline and substitute stuff popped up and we cleaned that up,'' he said. ``This was our final rehearsal. It made for a good scrimmage. We had to execute and do well.''

Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett did some individual work but sat out the scrimmage to avoid aggravating his bruised thigh. Washington (hamstring) did some sprints and said he believes he will be able to practice next week.