LOS ANGELES — The Vidal Hazelton situation has become even more of a mystery.

USC coach Pete Carroll said Hazelton did not practice Thursday because "he had the flu or something like that."

Earlier this week Hazelton asked Carroll about possibly redshirting this season, as he has gone from last year's second leading receiver to second string.

"There's a lot of things going on," Hazelton said after practice Wednesday. "I think I need to grow up as a person in certain areas. ... Just some personal stuff. As a football player too.

"If I was to get the year, I think it would be good for me personally."

Hazelton began the season as a starter but sprained his right ankle in the opener and was limited against Ohio State. He again came off the bench against Oregon State and turned his left ankle near the end of the game.

Hazelton spoke warmly of the decision to move Damian Williams ahead of him, but voiced frustration about his diminished role. He did not have a reception in either of the past two games.

"As a receiver, of course I'm going to be frustrated," he said. "Receivers always want the ball, that's just how we are."

Hazelton is not eligible to redshirt because he has already appeared in a game. He could apply for a medical redshirt, but that could be a challenge considering he has been healthy enough to practice most of this week. He would lose that option altogether if he plays Saturday against Oregon, since it would be his fourth appearance of the season.

Parsons could start

Junior offensive guard Alex Parsons (Woodbridge High) has played in every game since he arrived at

USC in 2006. But he has yet to start.

That is expected to change Saturday as Zack Heberer is out because of a turf toe injury. Parsons has been the Trojans' first lineman off the bench this season, rotating between both guard spots and center.

"It's nice to focus on one position, get my mindset and get everything 100 percent down," he said in regard to practice this week.

The one-time defensive tackle said he could play any of the offensive line positions, if called upon.

"Our footwork is all the same," he said. "Everyone does the same drills, from center to tackle. If we had to we could put anyone in there and they should be able to do it."

Mustain gets boost

Quarterback Mitch Mustain was selected as Mark Sanchez's backup against Oregon, the first time

Mustain has held the No. 2 distinction by himself while at USC.

Garrett Green held that title against Oregon State last week, as Mustain and Corp practiced with the scout team.

"It was an opportunity to gather our minds and settle down," Mustain said about his and Corp's temporary demotion. "It did take a little pressure off. We were kind of struggling mentally, emotionally."

NOTES

LB Rey Maualuga (sprained knee) still has not been ruled out but did not practice and is not expected to play. Brian Cushing will replace him at middle linebacker, with Michael Morgan set to make his first start at strongside. ... Carroll said TE Rhett Ellison has a hairline fracture in his fibula and is expected to miss three weeks. ... WR Brandon Carswell missed practice because of migraines, Carroll said.