Although he might have been the first safety selected in the 2009 NFL draft, USC All-American Taylor Mays announced that he will return for his senior season.
“There are a lot more things I want to accomplish as a player, a student and a person, things that I’ve dreamed about for a long time and that are big goals to me,” Mays said in a news release. “Returning to USC will help me be the best player I can be and put me in the best position possible for the next level.
“It came down to whether I felt I was ready physically and mentally. I feel there are some more things in my game that I can improve upon, things that would help me take the next step. I didn’t want to sell myself short.
“Plus, I want to be here for my teammates and provide an example to them as a leader and a player. I love the camaraderie here and the atmosphere. USC is a special place. From all the players I’ve talked to in the NFL, they say it’s a whole different world up there. They enjoyed college more than the NFL. I want to enjoy my last year of fun before it turns into a business.
“I’m also on track to graduate this fall and I know that’s a big deal to my parents.
“I’m excited to start working hard toward next season. In fact, I wish I could start playing the 2009 season right now.”
Said USC coach Pete Carroll: “We’re obviously delighted to learn of Taylor’s decision. He and his family did a lot of research and made an educated decision. He embodies all the virtues of staying. He wants to do this not only to improve as a player, but he’s coming back for his team, for his school and for the fans. We’re looking forward to Taylor having another outstanding season in 2009 and furthering his standing as a player and a person. He’s one of the most gifted safeties to ever play at USC, and he wants to come back and do it one more time.”
With Mays and tailback C.J. Gable returning, the biggest remaining mystery is quarterback Mark Sanchez, who has until Thursday to make his decision. Senior defensive back Josh Pinkard, who has sought a sixth year of eligibility, reportedly wants to return.
More from the USC blog:
- USC basketball: Revisiting DeRozan vs. Holiday
- USC football: A reason Mark Sanchez should stay
- USC football: Gable reportedly staying in school
- USC football: Sanchez’s dad — ‘It’s what Mark wants to do’
- USC football: Sanchez Watch 2009 continues
- USC basketball: Five observations from USC-UCLA
- USC basketball: Leonard Washington out
- USC basketball: Must be UCLA …
- USC football: Could receivers affect Sanchez’s decision?
I’m very happy that Taylor decided to return. He is such a great kid with a very supportive family. He is also a tremendous athlete that will do very well at the next level. In addition to being such a big hitter in the secondary, he is also the fastest guy on the team.
Now this is a story - Thanks Michael.
Made my day.
Well Mr. Lev. Didn’t I say a couple of days ago that it didn’t make sense that Taylor Mays would want to wait for Mark Sanchez to announce, if in fact he (Mays) had decided to go? What was Mays waiting for - to possibly make it a double loss announcement for the Trojans? Now, 2+2=4.
Thus far, no eligible player at USC has decided to go to the NFL. Gee, do you think the Trojans “are who we thought they were? A football program that is at the top and is having fun being there.
The life of a Trojan fan is always good. Even during the span of bad coaches and losses, USC looked good. The school, the Coliseum, the the colors, the band, Traveler and the Song Girls, make USC the Greatest Show On Earth. My opinion, of course.
I hope Mark Sanchez sees this and decides to stay too. I’m sure USC can get along without him but he could use one more year of college. Maybe even battle for the Heisman next season. What’s the hurry?