Booty reflects on career as a Trojan

With the end of his USC career only a few days away, USC quarterback John David Booty is soaking up every remaining moment.

“I feel relaxed and free and I’m just enjoying every step,� he said this week.

Booty has guided the Trojans to consecutive Pacific 10 Conference titles and two straight Rose Bowl appearances while living with constant comparisons to predecessor Matt Leinart.

He is 19-3 as a starter going into Tuesday’s Rose Bowl against Illinois.

“To me it’s always about winning games,� Booty said. “As a starter, I’ve only lost three games in two years.

“At most schools that would be a pretty unbelievable thing. Here, it’s a little different than it is in most circumstances, which is a good thing. It means we’re doing something right around here.

“If I can get out of here with two Rose Bowl victories, which is our goal every season, I’ll think I’ve done a decent job in what we’re trying to do here.�

Booty missed three games this season because of a broken finger but has passed for 5,453 yards and 49 touchdowns with 18 interceptions in his two seasons as the starter.

In last season’s Rose Bowl against Michigan, he threw for 391 yards and four touchdowns without an interception, a performance he would no doubt love to repeat against the Fighting Illini.

After the Rose Bowl, Booty will begin preparations for the NFL draft. He will match up against other draft-eligible quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl and the NFL scouting combine.

“Everything I’ve gone through at USC I hope to benefit from at the next level, whether it’s being patient or whatever,� said Booty, who will graduate with a sociology degree. “Hopefully, I’ll push my way up [in the draft] with the Senior Bowl and combine, but I might be a backup for 15 years. Who knows? I could be a starter.

“There’s a lot of things I think I’ve developed in my character and built through my five years here that, no doubt, are going to benefit me at the next level or just in whatever it is I do.

“Not just football, just living every day. I’m happy because I know I’ve taken something away from here. Not only a degree but so much more.�

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Wide receiver Patrick Turner did not practice again Friday because of a bruised quadriceps and he remains doubtful to play against Illinois.

“It’s not looking very good for him to get back if he can’t practice,� Coach Pete Carroll. “He’s got to get in the game plan.�

Turner says his condition has improved and that he might attempt to practice today, but freshman Ronald Johnson and redshirt freshman David Ausberry are preparing for larger roles.

Based on his performance during training camp, Ausberry was expected to play a large role in the passing game. He caught 17 passes in the first seven games but had only seven receptions in the last five games.

“I’m not the type of person that’s going to complain about what happens in the past,� Ausberry said. “I’m ready to keep going.�

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Cornerback Terrell Thomas said he sat out part of the workout because of back tightness. . . . Carroll praised scout team quarterback Aaron Corp for his work mimicking Juice Williams of Illinois. “At times he’s been too good for us,� Carroll said. “It’s been hard to defend him. His offense out of high school did everything that they’re doing here running and throwing. . . . Carroll said no players were academically ineligible to participate in the Rose Bowl. . . . USC players were scheduled to attend a show at a comedy club Friday night.

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