One More Nudge

ESPN just announced that Sanchez is going pro. I think his decision is a mistake. There was a reason why USC played conservatively on offense for most of the season.

and there's a reason he did well when they opened up the playbook... if anything he'll spend his first couple years like flaco and collins.. He'll "manage the offense"

Corp over Mustain. Let's get a guy who can run when needed.

I like Sanchez as a QB. However, he could use another year of college. The coaches feared that he would throw too many picks. In 2008, Carroll decided to keep Booty and his broken hand in the Stanford game over playing Sanchez. He has started only 16 games. (I wonder how well QBs with so few starts have fared in the NFL?) Also, Sanchez has never successfully driven USC to a last-minute score while trailing (USC wasn't in that position much.) Indeed, he threw devastating picks in the 4th qtr against Oregon (2007) and Oregon St (2008). He has all of the physical tools to succeed in the NFL, but not enough game experience.

I'm being selfish, of course. I'd like to see every USC player stay for their senior season, regardless of potential draft position. It sucks that Sanchez will ride the NFL pine, instead of leading USC to a potential national championship. Thanks for your days as a Trojan; just don't let the door hit your backside as you bolt for the NFL. I hope I'm not too harsh in expressing that sentiment (I felt the same about Lendale White, Mike Williams, and Dwayne Jarrett to name a few).

Guys like Leinart and Taylor Mays deserve a special place in Trojan lore.

Two things this come to mind about Sanchez...
Lack of confidence that he could improve his draft position by coming back.
Concern about his knee.

I think Mark is making the right decision. Mike is right that Sanchez needs more seasoning, and is prone to wildness and bad INTs (ASU anyone?), so he needs work on the mental part of the game. But, remember that he dislocated his knee and this is an injury with a high probability of recurring. Rather than risk a senior season knee injury, take the money now knowing that you will be a top 2 QB in the draft. Mark has all the physical tools in abundance to be successful in the NFL, and just needs a few years of seasoning with NFL coaching. Garrett Green for 2009 QB!!!

Corp 4 Prez!!!

Time for a poll: Who will be the starting QB next season: Corp? Mustain? Green? Barkley?

I'll go with Mustain.

What a surprise especially after his "I can't imagine leaving this" comment. Big question mark next year at QB. Corp and Mustain have hype but you never know until they get onto the field.

It would be hard to turn down the NFL opportunity (especially since the pay scales for rookies are going to change soon), but I really think Mark would do even better by waiting another year. Plus, where's that loyalty to the team? Doesn't he want to come back and avenge the near-miss at a national title this season? I've always felt bad that Leinart's draft stock dropped, but damn that season was special.

Should be interesting to see the QB battle heat up again. I wonder if Barkley will give Mustain the push he needs to finally step up and fulfill all the expectations?

I should add that Matt Cassell is the exception to the rule when it comes to college game experience.

"I wonder how well QBs with so few starts have fared in the NFL?"

Worked out pretty well for Matt Cassell.

With all the other qb's and great players returning next year, 2009 looks like an epic year for college football. If ESPN is correct, than too bad Mark won't be a part of it, but I agree with his decision nonetheless. Makes too much sense financially for him to stay since he will probably now be the marquis qb in the draft.

But back to the 2009 CF season. If ever there was a year that would demand a playoff next year could be it (just like this year)......the talent on the field will be extraordinary.

For the poll:

I'll put my money on Corp to start next year.

Is Neuheisel taking the bets btw?

As of now, ESPN is backtracking a bit on their initial story and now the original headline of "Sanchez to Go Pro" is "Father: Sanchez Still Undecided."

They were already breaking down his decision to turn pro, and now removed the link.

Does this mean anything? Probably not, but could be some doubt still...

I saw the ESPN breaking news when it first hit. ESPN was definitive that he was leaving, and continuously repeated it with Bradford's decision. If ESPN jumped the gun, then they have egg on their face.

The LA Times reported: "ESPN.com reported this evening that Sanchez would elect to turn pro, though that was not confirmed by the school or Sanchez, and Sanchez's father said the quarterback had not made up his mind."

Where is Wolf on this topic?