USC's top two tailbacks were hobbling on Tuesday, which is not such good news the week the Rose Bowl is on the line. Stafon Johnson empathized with Chauncey Washington and Emmanuel Moody -- to a point. Then the freshman hit the practice field and took part in a substantial number of plays. "All they've told me is just be ready, and it's my job to be ready,'' Johnson said. "I'm just making sure I'll be ready at all times and whenever they call my number, I'll be well prepared.'' Actually, the No. 4 Trojans (8-1 overall, 6-1 in the Pacific-10 Conference) might end up not calling on Johnson at all when they face No. 17 California (8-2, 6-1) on Saturday at the Coliseum. But the fact that he has at least entered the conversation might not have been fathomed by anyone before even a month ago. Johnson, the all-time career rushing leader in the L.A. City Section, arrived from Dorsey High primed to become one of the next great USC tailbacks. And then almost from the outset, he was struggling to become the best scout team tailback. Classmates Moody and C.J. Gable made quick strides at the same time Johnson appeared to be moving sideways.
"Oh yeah, it's very humbling,'' Johnson said. "I just had to keep pressing forward, take care of things you can take care of. You can't take care of playing time unless you make sure you do everything you can do.'' To his credit, Johnson never moped. His resolve was hardened on the scout team and he gradually made his way onto the field for more serious reps. "He's way ahead of where he was,'' Coach Pete Carroll said. "It took him quite a while to get acclimated. This week in particular, he's getting a lot of work in practice. "We just continue to see him become more confident and everybody around him become more confident in what he can do. He's a very good all-around football player. He's got a lot of natural instincts to him. He can do a lot of stuff, so we're anxious to get him involved and hopefully we'll be able to do that for his sake and for the team's sake as well. "But he's way more confident now. He works consistently and he fits in quite well.''
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