USC's Mark Sanchez to enter NFL draft
The Trojans quarterback decides it's time to make the jump to professional football. He could be one of the first two quarterbacks selected.
By Gary Klein
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
January 15, 2009
USC quarterback Mark Sanchez announced today that he would make himself available for the NFL draft.
The announcement this morning at USC's Heritage Hall ended two weeks of suspense following Sanchez's outstanding performance in the Trojans' Rose Bowl victory over Penn State.
Sanchez passed for 413 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another score on New Year's Day as the Trojans capped a 12-1 season. He finished his first full season as a starter with 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
There are several NFL teams in need of a quarterback, including the winless Detroit Lions, who hold the first pick, and pro scouts have projected Sanchez as a first-round selection. However, Georgia's Matthew Stafford is rated by most as the top quarterback prospect in the draft.
Sanchez, 22, announced his decision on the last day players with remaining college eligibility had to declare their intention to enter April's draft. There is also a 72-hour window in which players can change their mind, as long as they don't hire an agent.
The three college quarterbacks who were finalists for the Heisman Trophy last season -- winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, previous winner Tim Tebow of Florida and Colt McCoy of Texas -- had already announced that they were returning to their schools for another season. Of that group, Bradford was the last to make a decision, announcing it Wednesday.
NFL scouts said Sanchez boosted his draft stock with his breakout Rose Bowl game, but a couple who spoke to The Times when given anonymity -- they weren't authorized to speak publicly -- cautioned that another year in college might be best.
"He needs more seasoning at the position, but the skill set is there," one evaluator said. "But he has NFL tools."
Another scout agreed, saying Sanchez would benefit from another year to grow stronger and a chance to show that the Rose Bowl was not a fluke.
"That was a breakout game for him, but now I'd like to see him do that repeatedly in the season," he said.
Sanchez's decision comes two days after All-American safety Taylor Mays announced he would return for his senior season at USC. Sanchez passed up the opportunity to a guide an offense that must replace only one starter, receiver Patrick Turner.
However, the departure of Steve Sarkisian to Washington would have had Sanchez playing for a new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Receivers coach John Morton was recently promoted to offensive coordinator. Carl Smith, who coached Trojans quarterbacks in 2004, has rejoined the staff and will call plays.
Sanchez is the first starting quarterback to leave USC with remaining eligibility since Carroll became coach. Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and John David Booty all spent five seasons at USC before entering the draft.
Leinart won the Heisman Trophy in 2005 and was expected to bolt for the NFL after that season, but changed his mind at the last minute.
The Trojans quarterback decides it's time to make the jump to professional football. He could be one of the first two quarterbacks selected.
By Gary Klein
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
January 15, 2009
USC quarterback Mark Sanchez announced today that he would make himself available for the NFL draft.
The announcement this morning at USC's Heritage Hall ended two weeks of suspense following Sanchez's outstanding performance in the Trojans' Rose Bowl victory over Penn State.
Sanchez passed for 413 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another score on New Year's Day as the Trojans capped a 12-1 season. He finished his first full season as a starter with 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
There are several NFL teams in need of a quarterback, including the winless Detroit Lions, who hold the first pick, and pro scouts have projected Sanchez as a first-round selection. However, Georgia's Matthew Stafford is rated by most as the top quarterback prospect in the draft.
Sanchez, 22, announced his decision on the last day players with remaining college eligibility had to declare their intention to enter April's draft. There is also a 72-hour window in which players can change their mind, as long as they don't hire an agent.
The three college quarterbacks who were finalists for the Heisman Trophy last season -- winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, previous winner Tim Tebow of Florida and Colt McCoy of Texas -- had already announced that they were returning to their schools for another season. Of that group, Bradford was the last to make a decision, announcing it Wednesday.
NFL scouts said Sanchez boosted his draft stock with his breakout Rose Bowl game, but a couple who spoke to The Times when given anonymity -- they weren't authorized to speak publicly -- cautioned that another year in college might be best.
"He needs more seasoning at the position, but the skill set is there," one evaluator said. "But he has NFL tools."
Another scout agreed, saying Sanchez would benefit from another year to grow stronger and a chance to show that the Rose Bowl was not a fluke.
"That was a breakout game for him, but now I'd like to see him do that repeatedly in the season," he said.
Sanchez's decision comes two days after All-American safety Taylor Mays announced he would return for his senior season at USC. Sanchez passed up the opportunity to a guide an offense that must replace only one starter, receiver Patrick Turner.
However, the departure of Steve Sarkisian to Washington would have had Sanchez playing for a new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Receivers coach John Morton was recently promoted to offensive coordinator. Carl Smith, who coached Trojans quarterbacks in 2004, has rejoined the staff and will call plays.
Sanchez is the first starting quarterback to leave USC with remaining eligibility since Carroll became coach. Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and John David Booty all spent five seasons at USC before entering the draft.
Leinart won the Heisman Trophy in 2005 and was expected to bolt for the NFL after that season, but changed his mind at the last minute.