The Pac-10 held its annual Media Day this morning, with each coach (save Oregon State’s Mike Riley, who was attending a funeral) speaking to the press about the upcoming college football season.

Trojan head coach Pete Carroll–along with senior QB John David Booty–were the last to face the media. Carroll was his typically exuberant self, looking forward to “a big year” but refusing to make any predictions, instead taking his trademark “one week at a time” stance. The coach indicated that summer workouts have been “upbeat,” noting that the decision of upperclassmen like Lawrence Jackson, Fred Davis, Keith Rivers, Sam Baker, and Sedrick Ellis to stay rather than go to the NFL added to the team’s energy going into the offseason. Booty added that the team is extra motivated coming off a two-loss season, and is also ready to establish its own identity apart from the Bush/Leinart Trojans.

Carroll also had this to say about various aspects of the team:

OFFENSE: Carroll stressed that USC is looking for a balanced attack on offense, admitting that last year the team struggled with run/pass balance. He predicted that this season the Trojans can be “decisively better” thanks to added experience and an improved variety in style of players at the RB position. He also discounted notions that the departure of assistant coach Lane Kiffin (to the NFL) will impact the offense in any way. Carroll said that current offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian has always been in charge of the offense since he returned from the Raiders, except for some of the playcalling that Kiffin handled. He added that the only difference this year is that Sarkisian will be in charge of all the playcalling from the sideline. Booty agreed that there won’t be a change on offense, saying the team has a lot of confidence in Sarkisian.

DEFENSE: Carroll wouldn’t make predictions or comparisons, but praised the unit’s experience, depth, speed and aggressiveness. He said the unit’s chemistry will make the ultimate difference, and that will start taking shape in camp. He also expressed excitement to see freshman Chris Galippo and Everson Griffen to see where they will fit in.

RUNNING BACKS: Naturally, Carroll was asked about the “problem” of having so many RBs on the roster. (Later, on ESPN, he made a point to say this wasn’t a problem, but a “good thing.”) The coach said the team’s goal isn’t to “keep everyone happy” but they want to set up a system in practice where everyone gets a good look. Carroll is especially looking for backs with “special dimensions” that will help them stand out from the others. He stressed that many of the running backs are coming off injuries, so the coaching staff won’t know where they stand until they get to camp and get a chance to see them in action.

QUARTERBACK: Carroll indicated that Booty is “in the best shape of his life… the fastest, strongest he’s ever been.” Booty did not seem too concerned about living up to the standards set by his predecessors, indicating that if he is “half as good” as Matt Leinart, he’ll be a success. (Fans might be wishing for a little more than that, of course.)

WIDE RECEIVERS: Booty said the receivers have looked “terrific” in the offseason, and thinks Patrick Turner will be a “big-time player.” He added that sophmore Vidal Hazelton is “big strong kid with great hands…[and] can do so many things after he catches the ball.” Later in the day, during an ESPN interview, Carroll too singled out Turner as “really a talented football player” and the leader of the WR group. He also named David Ausberry as a player to watch in the upcoming season.

FULLBACKS: Carroll admitted struggling at the fullback position last season, but says USC is in “much better shape” this year. He praised starter Stanley Havili as a “really great football player” and a “really good receiver” coming off a great spring. He noted that Jordan Campbell and Jody Adewale will add depth, and that the Trojans may run more sets with tight ends lining up at the fullback position.

LINEBACKERS: Carroll indicated that Rivers is leader of the group, and praised him along with fellow starters Brian Cushing and Ray Maualuga as “three big draft picks,” but also singled out backups Clay Matthews, Kaluka Maiava, and Thomas Williams. He said that as a whole, the LBs are a highly competitive, playmaking group, and is hoping for “one of the best linebacking groups we’ve ever had.” Booty noted that it helps in practice competing against such a strong linebacking group that gives their all on every play, giving him the “best looks from the best players in the country.”

Some of Carroll’s colleagues in the Pac-10 were also effusive in praising his team. Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti indicated that the Trojans deserve to be #1, and will be a contender for the national championship: “USC is one of the most talented teams in the nation, not just in this conference.” And new Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh called USC not just the best team in the nation, but perhaps one of the best teams ever.

As expected, coaches were also asked about LSU coach Les Miles‘ recent comments about the relative weakness of Pac-10 schedules. Bellotti agreed that there is still a perception problem about the Pac-10, but praised his conference’s “talent” and “creative coaching.” Carroll, too, stuck to the party line, saying that his team’s “toughest games by far last season were in conference” and calling attention to the “great coaching [and] tremendous offenses” in the Pac-10.

Later today, TrojanUpdate will have a roundup of the media’s reaction to Media Day, with additional quotes from some of the conference’s other coaches.