1-2-3: Sanchez, Corp, Mustain
August 27th, 2008, 8:53 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Michael Lev, staff writer
USC finally has determined its quarterback pecking order for Saturday’s season opener at Virginia, and it has a distinct orange tint to it.
Coach Pete Carroll officially named Mission Viejo High’s Mark Sanchez as the starter Wednesday, a day after doctors checked out Sanchez’s left knee and cleared him to play.
Orange Lutheran’s Aaron Corp would be the first quarterback off the bench if Sanchez needed relief. Corp has nudged ahead of Mitch Mustain after a tight camp-long battle.
“There’s a little sense of accomplishment,” Corp said. “Knowing the coaches have confidence in me gives me confidence in myself.”
Carroll described the difference between Corp and Mustain as “negligible” and said Corp got the nod because he’s more comfortable with the offensive system.
“It looks like there’s a little bit of an edge right now, and that’s all there is to it,” Carroll said.
Carroll has said repeatedly that the Corp-Mustain competition will continue indefinitely. Mustain is embracing the possibilities.
“There’s a long time to go, it’s a long season,” Mustain said. “We’ll see what happens. I’m not down about it.”
Neither Corp nor Mustain is as far along as Sanchez, and playing either backup would require the coaches to simplify the game plan.
