Matt Leinart
- Thread starter vinnie
- Start date
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart will be back for his senior season at Southern California and try to lead the Trojans to an unprecedented third straight national championship.
The USC quarterback announced his decision Friday, opting to complete his eligibility rather than enter the NFL draft, where he figured to be one of the top selections and become an instant millionaire.
``I realized the opportunity right now to support my family by going to the NFL early, but to me I think college football and this whole atmosphere here and being with my fans and my teammates ... is ultimately more satisfying and will make me happier than any amount of money could make someone happy,'' he said.
There was a roar of approval from a crowd of about 500 students and fans jammed into the foyer at Heritage Hall to hear Leinart's decision.
``OK, so I'm smiling,'' a beaming coach Pete Carroll said after Leinart's announcement.
Leinart has made clear for months his desire to stay in school. He said last August he would definitely return because he loved playing for the Trojans, he needed to get stronger physically and make other improvements.
More recently, he said he was leaning toward returning, but would investigate his options.
In the end, the 21-year-old Leinart decided the risk of serious injury or a sub-par performance next season was less important than following his heart and enjoying college for another year.
Leinart consulted coaches, friends, teammates, NFL quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Ben Roethlisberger and his parents before announcing his decision.
A 6-foot-5, 225-pound left-hander, Leinart was a third-year sophomore who hadn't thrown a pass for the Trojans when he succeeded Palmer, another Heisman Trophy winner, as USC's starting quarterback 16 1/2 months ago.
The Trojans have a 25-1 record with Leinart at the controls -- including 13-0 this season. He capped the year by passing for 332 yards and an Orange Bowl-record five touchdowns in USC's resounding 55-19 victory over Oklahoma on Jan. 4.
Leinart's 6,878 career passing yards rank fourth on the school's career list, and his 71 TD passes rank second -- one behind Palmer.
All that in just 26 games.
By staying in school, Palmer could become the second player to win the Heisman twice. Ohio State running back Archie Griffin accomplished the feat in 1974-75.
He also becomes the second straight Heisman winner to play another year of college football. Oklahoma's Jason White won college football's most prestigious award in 2003, then finished third in the 2004 balloting.
USC's only loss in the last two seasons was a 34-31 triple overtime setback at California on Sept. 27, 2003, in Leinart's fourth game as the Trojans' quarterback.
He overcame a shaky start to go 21-of-39 for 277 yards, but was intercepted three times. He has thrown only 12 other interceptions at USC.
Leinart passed for 3,556 yards and 38 touchdowns with nine interceptions in his first season as the starter, no doubt helped by the presence of talented and experienced wide receivers Mike Williams and Keary Colbert.
As a fourth-year junior this season, throwing to a corps of young, inexperienced wideouts, Leinart passed for 3,322 yards and 33 TDs with six interceptions.
Leinart's return means John David Booty, a former Louisiana prep standout who will be a third-year sophomore next season, is slated to be No. 2 on the depth chart.
Booty is considered a better prospect now than Leinart was when he took over.
The Trojans will have two other highly regarded quarterbacks on the roster next fall in Rocky Hinds, a freshman who redshirted this season, and Mark Sanchez, who will be a freshman. Sanchez, a senior at Mission Viejo, Calif., High who has committed to USC, is considered one of the best prep quarterbacks in the country.
Even without Leinart, USC figured to enter next season as the one of the country's highest-ranked teams, if not No. 1, since the majority of its starters this season were underclassmen. With Leinart, it's a virtual certainty the Trojans will be No. 1.
USC will bring a 22-game winning streak into next season -- longest in the country.
The USC quarterback announced his decision Friday, opting to complete his eligibility rather than enter the NFL draft, where he figured to be one of the top selections and become an instant millionaire.
``I realized the opportunity right now to support my family by going to the NFL early, but to me I think college football and this whole atmosphere here and being with my fans and my teammates ... is ultimately more satisfying and will make me happier than any amount of money could make someone happy,'' he said.
There was a roar of approval from a crowd of about 500 students and fans jammed into the foyer at Heritage Hall to hear Leinart's decision.
``OK, so I'm smiling,'' a beaming coach Pete Carroll said after Leinart's announcement.
Leinart has made clear for months his desire to stay in school. He said last August he would definitely return because he loved playing for the Trojans, he needed to get stronger physically and make other improvements.
More recently, he said he was leaning toward returning, but would investigate his options.
In the end, the 21-year-old Leinart decided the risk of serious injury or a sub-par performance next season was less important than following his heart and enjoying college for another year.
Leinart consulted coaches, friends, teammates, NFL quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Ben Roethlisberger and his parents before announcing his decision.
A 6-foot-5, 225-pound left-hander, Leinart was a third-year sophomore who hadn't thrown a pass for the Trojans when he succeeded Palmer, another Heisman Trophy winner, as USC's starting quarterback 16 1/2 months ago.
The Trojans have a 25-1 record with Leinart at the controls -- including 13-0 this season. He capped the year by passing for 332 yards and an Orange Bowl-record five touchdowns in USC's resounding 55-19 victory over Oklahoma on Jan. 4.
Leinart's 6,878 career passing yards rank fourth on the school's career list, and his 71 TD passes rank second -- one behind Palmer.
All that in just 26 games.
By staying in school, Palmer could become the second player to win the Heisman twice. Ohio State running back Archie Griffin accomplished the feat in 1974-75.
He also becomes the second straight Heisman winner to play another year of college football. Oklahoma's Jason White won college football's most prestigious award in 2003, then finished third in the 2004 balloting.
USC's only loss in the last two seasons was a 34-31 triple overtime setback at California on Sept. 27, 2003, in Leinart's fourth game as the Trojans' quarterback.
He overcame a shaky start to go 21-of-39 for 277 yards, but was intercepted three times. He has thrown only 12 other interceptions at USC.
Leinart passed for 3,556 yards and 38 touchdowns with nine interceptions in his first season as the starter, no doubt helped by the presence of talented and experienced wide receivers Mike Williams and Keary Colbert.
As a fourth-year junior this season, throwing to a corps of young, inexperienced wideouts, Leinart passed for 3,322 yards and 33 TDs with six interceptions.
Leinart's return means John David Booty, a former Louisiana prep standout who will be a third-year sophomore next season, is slated to be No. 2 on the depth chart.
Booty is considered a better prospect now than Leinart was when he took over.
The Trojans will have two other highly regarded quarterbacks on the roster next fall in Rocky Hinds, a freshman who redshirted this season, and Mark Sanchez, who will be a freshman. Sanchez, a senior at Mission Viejo, Calif., High who has committed to USC, is considered one of the best prep quarterbacks in the country.
Even without Leinart, USC figured to enter next season as the one of the country's highest-ranked teams, if not No. 1, since the majority of its starters this season were underclassmen. With Leinart, it's a virtual certainty the Trojans will be No. 1.
USC will bring a 22-game winning streak into next season -- longest in the country.
I'm all for kids going to school, but I'm a huge proponent of them going pro if they are guaranteed to go in the first round. I think Leinart would be about the third qb to go in the draft (maybe higher), and I think he should have gone. What happens if he has a chitty year??? What happens if he is in a horrible car accident and can never play again?? I think in these situations you have to be a realist. He can go to school anytime. His stock is probably never going to be higher than it is now.
maybe his family has $$$ already and he wants to finish school and be the # 1 pick next year and win another national championship.
his stock will never be higher than it would be in the 2005 draft
Granted I said the same thing about Peyton.
I hope it pays off for him!
Granted I said the same thing about Peyton.
I hope it pays off for him!
His family has tons of money and he wants to stay and party where he is the big man on campus for another year. Money is not a problem for him, in the same position I would do the same thing, he can afford it.
He would have been the number one pick. Not a smart move in my opinion.
I wish him the best, hope he doesn't get hurt and is smart enough to secure a big insurance policy.
I wish him the best, hope he doesn't get hurt and is smart enough to secure a big insurance policy.
WOW...full of mixed feelings on this one!
if he is doing it solely out of loyalty to his teammates/coaches, more power to him!!!! shows the true sign of a loyal man.
if he is doing it to complete his degree, there are other ways to do that while still not *risking* a high paying job/position while he is at a high point.
if it were my son, i would advise ---- turn pro, but take courses in the off season to complete your degree before you are too out of the *swing* of schoolwork.
as 6-5 pointed out.....such an injury risk playing college ball for even one more play (let alone one more season) that could make it impossible for him to ever sign a contract for the *big bucks* . Grab the $$ while you can, but don't neglect your future once too old to play in the pros.
if he is doing it solely out of loyalty to his teammates/coaches, more power to him!!!! shows the true sign of a loyal man.
if he is doing it to complete his degree, there are other ways to do that while still not *risking* a high paying job/position while he is at a high point.
if it were my son, i would advise ---- turn pro, but take courses in the off season to complete your degree before you are too out of the *swing* of schoolwork.
as 6-5 pointed out.....such an injury risk playing college ball for even one more play (let alone one more season) that could make it impossible for him to ever sign a contract for the *big bucks* . Grab the $$ while you can, but don't neglect your future once too old to play in the pros.
i applaud his courage to stay. :clap:
how many Heisman QuarterBacks have gone to the NFL only to bomb.. :nono:
a dozen... :shrug:
how many Heisman QuarterBacks have gone to the NFL only to bomb.. :nono:
a dozen... :shrug:
Let's break it down:
:Great team surrounding him returning:
:Heisman in the bag with a decent effort and team rank:
:Multi-Million Dollar Ins policy in force
: Competition this year in Draft vs SMITH and ROGERS
This was a No Brainer: Next year he is the Top Gun!
:Great team surrounding him returning:
:Heisman in the bag with a decent effort and team rank:
:Multi-Million Dollar Ins policy in force
: Competition this year in Draft vs SMITH and ROGERS
This was a No Brainer: Next year he is the Top Gun!
NOBODY told Matt Leinart he would be a #1, #2, or even a #3 pick. All 3 teams were either trying to find new HC's or GM's or just couldn't give a word. That played a part in Matt staying. Remember, Matt had tendonitis in his elbow and was not able to work out in offseason OR throw hard for much of the season although he had good arm strength against OU. Maybe it was because of the layoff. He will now use this offseason to increase his strength so next year he will do well/better at the combines. Right now he would do poorly at the combines and everybody here knows how much stock the NFL scouts put into the combines.
Lets take a look at the positives as some have already mentioned. USC returns EVERYBODY on offense except 1 starter. Do you believe in free agents? Well USC gets back 2 starters from 2 years ago and #1 WR from spring practice this year who all did not play this year. #1 OL Justice, #1 FB Hancock, #1 WR Lewis, all 3 did not play this year and 2/3 were starters 2 years ago. So now an experienced offense just got MORE experienced and loaded with talent. Leinart will now shine in this offense and prob. have ALL day to throw. This year he did NOT have all day to throw and he was throwing to inexperienced WR's.
Leinart has the chance to lead his team to 3 consecutive National Championships, something NO TEAM IN CFB has done since the poll era. Leinart also has a chance to win 2 Heisman Trophies! He has the chance to secure his legacy not only at USC but in all of college football. If he wins the NC this coming season, he will have only lost 1 game in his career at USC!
If Leinart suffers career injury, he already has his HUGE insurance policy. He also can get any job he wants in Los Angeles so he will be well taken care of. $$$$ wise he will be ok.
Thats what people don't understand about Leinart. $$$$$ doesn't make him happy. He is doing what makes him happy and that is staying at USC and playing for a 3rd NC. Many people need $$$$ to be happy. He doesn't. If all things go well, the NFL and the $$$ should be waiting for him at the end of the year.
People will say he can't raise his draft status even more. They are wrong. Leinart can improve himself at the combines AND if he wins a 3rd straight NC, he will be the #1 overall pick without a doubt! The guy already has received so much media love its crazy. Imagine all the media over him throughout the season next year and after USC wins their 3rd straight NC. Leianrt without a doubt will put up better #'s this upcoming season than last year. The question will be, will he get as much playing time?
If it were me, I bleed cardinal and gold but I would leave for the NFL and take my guaranteed $10 million plus money.
Funny how people bash players for leaving and some bash players for staying at the University that recruited him and getting an education. It is called LOYALTY and APPRECIATION! I have never seen a more humble superstar than Matt Leinart.
Lastly, Manning stayed for his senior season at Tenn. and I think he has done ok in the NFL. Now Leinart has accomplished hell of a lot more than Manning at the CFB level, but same things apply. Both are standup men and perfect role models.
FIGHT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lets take a look at the positives as some have already mentioned. USC returns EVERYBODY on offense except 1 starter. Do you believe in free agents? Well USC gets back 2 starters from 2 years ago and #1 WR from spring practice this year who all did not play this year. #1 OL Justice, #1 FB Hancock, #1 WR Lewis, all 3 did not play this year and 2/3 were starters 2 years ago. So now an experienced offense just got MORE experienced and loaded with talent. Leinart will now shine in this offense and prob. have ALL day to throw. This year he did NOT have all day to throw and he was throwing to inexperienced WR's.
Leinart has the chance to lead his team to 3 consecutive National Championships, something NO TEAM IN CFB has done since the poll era. Leinart also has a chance to win 2 Heisman Trophies! He has the chance to secure his legacy not only at USC but in all of college football. If he wins the NC this coming season, he will have only lost 1 game in his career at USC!
If Leinart suffers career injury, he already has his HUGE insurance policy. He also can get any job he wants in Los Angeles so he will be well taken care of. $$$$ wise he will be ok.
Thats what people don't understand about Leinart. $$$$$ doesn't make him happy. He is doing what makes him happy and that is staying at USC and playing for a 3rd NC. Many people need $$$$ to be happy. He doesn't. If all things go well, the NFL and the $$$ should be waiting for him at the end of the year.
People will say he can't raise his draft status even more. They are wrong. Leinart can improve himself at the combines AND if he wins a 3rd straight NC, he will be the #1 overall pick without a doubt! The guy already has received so much media love its crazy. Imagine all the media over him throughout the season next year and after USC wins their 3rd straight NC. Leianrt without a doubt will put up better #'s this upcoming season than last year. The question will be, will he get as much playing time?
If it were me, I bleed cardinal and gold but I would leave for the NFL and take my guaranteed $10 million plus money.
Funny how people bash players for leaving and some bash players for staying at the University that recruited him and getting an education. It is called LOYALTY and APPRECIATION! I have never seen a more humble superstar than Matt Leinart.
Lastly, Manning stayed for his senior season at Tenn. and I think he has done ok in the NFL. Now Leinart has accomplished hell of a lot more than Manning at the CFB level, but same things apply. Both are standup men and perfect role models.
FIGHT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He has a few things going for him first and number one since he is coming back he picked up a healthy policy from Lloyd's of London
hurt and can't play or cost him in draft, he is set for life, these are not cheap either.
2 he has a chance to win 3 in a row now a days that is unheard of 2 is tough 3 is unreal ask Miami.
he is smart and will have life after football even if he goes down, he will have a job and Lloyd's of London's cash'
He's a good qb but was not rated out even at the top of his career where he wanted to be in picks, first rounder yes top 5 no and money is in top 5 which i think he gets hands down next year.
he would not of been been the first qb taken this year, well next year he owns the pack, and the ins comes out to about 25 mill, comes from a family fund and trust, so least won't have to hear boosters paid for it, family has major cash down through more then 1 generation
hurt and can't play or cost him in draft, he is set for life, these are not cheap either.
2 he has a chance to win 3 in a row now a days that is unheard of 2 is tough 3 is unreal ask Miami.
he is smart and will have life after football even if he goes down, he will have a job and Lloyd's of London's cash'
He's a good qb but was not rated out even at the top of his career where he wanted to be in picks, first rounder yes top 5 no and money is in top 5 which i think he gets hands down next year.
he would not of been been the first qb taken this year, well next year he owns the pack, and the ins comes out to about 25 mill, comes from a family fund and trust, so least won't have to hear boosters paid for it, family has major cash down through more then 1 generation
Why even play the season next year. Just give the freaking title to USC. They are loaded at every freaking position. This sucks. I am a degenerate Texas Longhorn fan, so I had no chance of a title anyway. My only hope is that they go into the season over confident and overlook someone, but I doubt Leinart will do that.
Always next year, (damn I have been saying that for a long time)
Hook em
CM
Always next year, (damn I have been saying that for a long time)
Hook em
CM
- Feb 26, 2001
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Scott4USC said:
I'm sure you meant he would be going for back to back titles. I dont recall USC being in the title game last year.
