Numbers Game
Last week a USC spokesperson said new quarterback Mitch Mustain would wear No. 13 next season. An odd choice, yes, because it's the same number as tailback Stafon Johnson. Because Mustain is redshirting, there is no conflict with two offensive players wearing 13 although it is admittedly awkward, especially with so much speculation about Johnson transferring.
Well, USC coach Pete Carroll said Monday no official decision's been made on what number Mustain will wear. So we might be back to square one, if not the No. 1.
That doesn't sound right, since both the official website and press release state that Mustain is No. 13. So, obviously, a decision has been made regarding Mustain's number.
I am sure this is all just confusion.
He will RS so it won't matter anytime soon.
Next year Mitch might switch numbers.
I think it is a slap in the face to Staphon. I would hope that they at least asked him to switch numbers?
Even if Mustain is red shirting. As I said in a previous blog here. They will be on the same field at times during scrimmages and they cant both wear #13. Johnson was here 1st. He was as highly touted a player out of high school as Mustain was.
Although Mustain did start 8 games for Arkansas. 10 TDs and 9 Interceptions isn't exactly stats to jump up and down about.
So my point is I think its proper protocal to ask Staphon 1st if he minds switching to another number. Otherwise you are telling this kid. You are not in our plans. We dont care who you are. We dont care weather you transfer or not.
Im glad Pete, the classy guy that he is, is re thinking this process.
Since Mustain has always worn No. 16, and that is currently worn by senior McDonald, it is entirely possible that Mustain will switch to No. 16 once McDonald is finished in a few months.
Seriously, is this really that big of a deal?
Yeah I agree with encore...I think this is called "damage control"
If MM can wear a #13 because he is a redshirt, why couldn't he also wear HIS #16 then? And to have them both on the field at the same time...I agree that you don't want to make a mountain out of a mole hill, but it really seems odd. This number business is getting out of hand..aren't M. McCurtis, M. Smith and D. Ausberry all #9?
"This number business is getting out of hand..aren't M. McCurtis, M. Smith and D. Ausberry all #9?"
Oh my god, Chris Galippo wore #9 in high school too! The horror.
Chill out guys. Stafon isn't going anywhere. Mitch is definitely switching to #16 next year. It isn't a slap in the face to Stafon. You're all just getting your panties in a bunch because that is what Scott does (and does well by the way).
It's all going to work out fine.
Are you all serious? Have you thought about the fact that the QB wears the GOLD jersey for practice? Therefore, if the QB wears the same number as an offensive player, the jersey color is enough. That is the same reason that he cannot wear the same number as another QB. Seriously, people make too big a deal out of very little.
Fight On!
I can't believe I agree with Encore on a couple of points. He also messed-up. Encore is protocol NOT protocal. MM QBR was 70 NOT to mention 3 INT's in his last game which led to his benching in favor of Casey Dick.
It would be insult to Stafon but not first time it happened in PC era. He took away another player's number and gave it to Whitney Lewis.
Never underestimate the size of some of these young men's egos. Numbers can be a big deal for some of these players. As for Whitney Lewis, hopefully the Northern Iowa climate has prepared him well for the CFL.