USC quarterback Mark Sanchez repeatedly has said he will wait until after the season to seriously contemplate whether to enter the 2009 NFL draft.
Well, the end of the season is just weeks away.
The decision Sanchez faces is an exceedingly complex one, as my column on the subject explains.
How tough a call is it? Try putting yourself in Sanchez’s cleats:
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What would you do if you were Mark Sanchez?
The Sark Poll: Is USC better off without him?
More from the USC blog:
- USC football: Trojans make several All-American teams
- USC football: Sarkisian hires a Trojan, first assistant coaches
- USC football: Maualuga, Mays AP All-Americans
- USC football: Why Rocky Seto is staying
- USC football: Seto decides on UW
- USC basketball: Debating Daniel Hackett
- USC basketball: Rory Markas set to return soon
- USC basketball: Nikola Vucevic cleared by NCAA
Sanchez should declare for the NFL draft. He’s had a fulfilling career at USC already. A Pac10 championship, an impressive victory over Ohio State, and 30 TD passes this season. He should take the $$$.
We have Mustain, Corp and Green to replace him, not to mention Barkley coming in next year. And I want to see all those guys play too.
Even if Sanchez wanted to transfer to UW, he wouldn’t play there because he’s already used his redshirt year and he would have to sit out his entire senior season.
He’s not ready to go into the NFL. I hope his brothers and his Dad tell him the samething. One more year at SC should give him the experience he’ll need just to compete in the NFL. If he leaves, there won’t be too much of a let down with all the quarterback talent just itching to play at SC.
Just so you all know, the “Transfer to UW” answer was supposed to be a joke (apparently not a very good one).
Mark has been an incredible role model for the youth. He has established himself as a premier quarterback in the college game. I believe he has a great opportunity and has the ability to jump to the NFL game.
He has a great family with amazing support. He can be a role model in the NFL game.
I just hope he stays hungry and humble in order to continue to be a leader on and off the field.
If he leaves, he will not let anyone down. I only hope that he will continue with his studies (via satellite or long distance education networks with USC) so he can finish a prestigious degree from the University of Southern California.
Fight On!
Michae Lev, I know that it was a joke. I just felt like explaining anyways. :)
Mark still needs a lot of polishing. One more year ought to do it.
Sanchez should go now. He won’t improve his position in any future drafts because, despite great physical skills, he lacks the requisite emotional stability to thrive in the high-pressure NFL world. Another year in college would only unmask this weakness further. Besides, the Trojans will be better off with Mitch Mustain driving the ship.
Some people seem to ignore the obvious. Mark could be the best QB of all time (which he clearly isn’t), but he needs to have his knee corrected medically. Mark will probably have surgery before his knee can be cleared as 100%.
Is that so hard to understand? Matt Leinart remained at USC knowing he might be giving up millions in cash. Why? Simple. He said it. What, no one listened? He said he had to have surgery on his arm and knew the NFL would not draft him.
Currently, Mark may not even be able to run for 40 yards without coming up limping. Reality check - Mark is staying.
Knee has looked fine to me recently, Doug. I think that injury got blown out of proportion a bit. It was a dislocated knee cap. I’m no doctor but I have been prognosticating with my eyes on his scrambles. Looks okay.
Mark should stay, he’ll never get this opportunity again, and he could very well win the HT next year, and have a shot at an NC. The NFL isn’t going anywhere, and his 2nd payday is the big one that counts, so screw the rookie cap crap, and his draft position has a lot to do with that, which is why he is waiting to see what Bradford and Stafford are going to do. He should stay and build his worth, and enjoy life as the big man on campus, soak it up. He has worked too hard and too long for this, and he already had to wait years to be the starter, no reason to ride the pine next year when he could be a star, and gain more experience.
Fight On Mark!!!
i think Mark Sanchez should go to da Chargers or Arizona 1 ov doez he could take Rivers place in Chargers buh if he goes to Arizona he defently takes da spot kuz da veteran Walmer iz to old now datz my comnt