USC receiver Isaac Whitney making most of opportunities

Junior receiver Isaac Whitney is playing his way into more opportunities for USC.

Whitney stepped in after Darreus Rogers suffered a hamstring injury early in last week’s victory at Arizona State. He caught two passes, including one for a 10-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Whitney, who transferred to USC from Riverside City College, has seven receptions, two for touchdowns. He is averaging 15.4 yards per catch.

“I feel like I’m in the groove,” he said. “I can still touch up technique.”

Whitney, 6 feet 3 and 205 pounds, “has been unbelievable,” said USC Coach Steve Sarkisian, who also complimented receiver De’Quan Hampton, a transfer from Long Beach City College.

“With the JC guys it’s always interesting,” Sarkisian said, “because you think they’re more mature and they should develop faster. But the reality of it is, this is still their first time being on a Division I football team.

“So it takes some time. But they’re both getting better.”