In the book, "Fight On: The Colorful Story of USC Football," Leinart emerged as the greatest player in team history (post 1950). "Let's see, he was a three-time All-American, a Heisman Trophy winner, a two-time BCS bowl-game MVP, and the quarterback who led USC to a 34-game winning streak and two consecutive national championships, coming within inches of a third, going 37-2 in his three year career with the Trojans. The final damage: 10,693 yards, 99 TDs, 23 interceptions, four rushing TDs, including the sneak at Notre Dame in '05 that ranks as one of the most dramatic in school history.
It hardly started out that glamorous. He redshirt his first year, then was a backup to Carson Palmer as a redshirt freshman. As a sophomore, no one was sure who'd be the USC quarterback -- it was either Leinart, Matt Cassell or Brandon Hance. And the thought was this highly-touted freshman John David Booty would eventually learn the offense and take over. Leinart directed a victory at Auburn, and never looked back.
Maybe what endeared him most to USC fans was his decision to return to school for his senior year after he won the Heisman, even though many thought he could be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. His goal: Another national title. It almost happened. And he almost won another Heisman (losing to Reggie Bush). And SI.com says he's the best No. 11 ever to play college football, better than Steve Spurrier.
Turned out, he wasn't the No. 1 pick. Bush was. He wasn't even the No. 1 quarterback chosen (he went behind Vince Young and Jay Cutler). Arizona took him and his know-how. We'll see how the rest of that turns out.
The greatest player in USC history? At least the greatest known ballroom dancer to ever come out of the program, the result of having gone to the class with Trojans women's basketball player Brynn Cameron. Then, on Oct. 24, '06, Cole Cameron Leinart was born. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
By the way, you know what number Brynn wears? No. 11.

First runner up:
==Norm Van Brocklin, Rams ('49-'57, also wore No. 25)
Nine of his 12 Pro Football Hall of Fame seasons were with the Rams, a team he helped lead to the 1951 World Championship with 73-yard touchdown pass in fourth quarter to beat Cleveland. He also led the NFL in passing twice (1950 and 1952), setting an NFL record with 554 passing yards against New York Yankees in 1951. Named to six consecutive Pro Bowls with Rams (1950-55), he was selected to NFL 1950's All-Decade Team. Also played for Philadelphia Eagles (1958-60). Led Eagles to 1960 NFL Championship and threw for three touchdowns in 1960 Pro Bowl. Finished with 23,611 yards passing. So take that to the bank. Following his dismissal, he returned to his pecan farm in Social Circle, Georgia. His only connections to football during this era were as a running backs coach for Georgia Tech in 1979, and as a college football broadcaster. Near the end of his life, it was discovered that he had a brain tumor. After it was removed, he told the press: "It was a brain transplant. They gave me a sportswriter's brain, to make sure I got one that hadn't been used." I don't get it.

Runner-ups:
==Jim Everett, Rams ('86-'93)
==George Best, Aztecs ('76-'78)
==Jim Fregosi, Angels ('63-'71 as a player, '78-'81 as a manager) Wore No. 17 in '61 and No. 16 in '62; No. 11 is retired by the Angels.
==Manny Mota, Dodgers ('69-'82 as a player, '80-'89 as hitting coach, '90- as bench coach)
==Charlie Simmer, Kings ('77-'84)
==Pat Haden, Rams ('76-'81)

Other No. 11s:
==Karl Malone, Lakers (2003-04)
==Vince Evans, Raiders (’87-’95)
==Bill Sharman, USC basketball ('47-'50)
==John Elway, Granada Hills football ('77-'78)
==Paula McGee, USC women’s basketball ('81-'84)
==Doug DeCinces, Angels ('82-'86)
==Tyus Edney, UCLA basketball ('92-'95)
==Mike Sanders, UCLA basketball ('79-'82)
==Don Barksdale, UCLA basketball ('46-'47)
==Billy Consolo, Angels ('62)
==Jack Bighead, Pepperdine football (1951 little school American American)

Sports Illustrated's choice for No. 11: Mark Messier, over Isiah Thomas.

Did we miss anyone?
You've got our vote, now let's see yours: