USC NOTEBOOK : RECEIVERS RECEIVING EARLY RAVE REVIEWS.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

The depth and impressive freshman additions at wide receiver have been a strength in early USC practice sessions.

Enough to obscure the departure of Tony Griffin, who is no longer on the team after dropping out of school with academic problems. Griffin, a Super Prep All-American two years ago, is expected to attend West Los Angeles College in Culver City.

The receiving corps will be temporarily depleted because Troy Garner, a freshman from Notre Dame High School, sprained his ankle and will miss several days of practice.

Garner, who was on crutches Tuesday afternoon, said he normally wears ankle braces but did not for the morning practice.

Nice start: One player making strides in practices is quarterback Quincy Woods, who has been mentioned by coach John Robinson as among the early standouts.

``He is one of the most natural leaders,'' Robinson said.

Woods is battling another redshirt freshman, John Fox, for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart. Fifth-year senior Matt Koffler is considered the No. 2 quarterback.

Another offensive player who has looked sharp is wide receiver Mike Bastianelli, expected to become a possession-type receiver.

Injury update: Tailback Delon Washington has been slowed by a slight hamstring pull. Freshman fullback Ted Iacenda has not practiced this week, bothered by a sore tendon in his foot that stems back to his senior season at Hart.

USC is having special foam insoles made for Iacenda's shoe.

A close shave: In a sign of unity, the defensive linemen decided to shave their heads. Actually, linemen Darrell Russell, Willie Lowery and George Perry shaved their heads first, then convinced Matt Keneley and Marc Matock to follow suit.