USC coach Pete Carroll said junior Garrett Green would be the first quarterback off the bench if starter Mark Sanchez were to get hurt.

Green began training camp as a receiver before serving as the third quarterback while Sanchez missed time because of a knee injury. Green since has surpassed Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain, although Carroll stressed that the coaching staff has not “made a long-term commitment in any way.”

Green is ahead for now because he has a better grasp of the offense.

“He did really well in the scrimmages, and it was clear that he was ahead,” Carroll said. “I think he’ll have a better time of it communicating and helping the other guys play well.”

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