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USC quarterbacks jockeying for starting job

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Aaron Corp thinks about it. So does Mitch Mustain. And recruit Matt Barkley, who observed USC's first two Rose Bowl practices, has no doubt sensed the possibility or heard someone mention it. With junior quarterback Mark Sanchez seeking an evaluation of his NFL draft status, the competition to possibly replace him as the starter next season might have already begun. "A lot of people would like to avoid that, but it's real," Mustain said of Sanchez's possible departure. Corp, a redshirt freshman, and Mustain, a third-year sophomore, split first-team snaps again Saturday as Sanchez was held out because of general soreness. Both had their moments, but Corp shined for the second consecutive day, Coach Pete Carroll said.

Los Angeles Times

Pete Carroll, AP Pete Carroll, AP
December 14, 2008  10:23 AM ET

If Sanchez does leave, I as a sound and mind USC fan, hereby put my support behing Aaron Corp right away.

December 14, 2008  11:21 AM ET

USC can do better than Sanchez.

December 14, 2008  11:22 AM ET

Is Pete Carroll competing? From this photo you'd think he was throwing his hat into the ring..........

December 14, 2008  11:57 AM ET

USC has the unique ability to reload and any position........ good luck to all as you move on or welcome back for another year.

December 14, 2008  01:49 PM ET

Sanchez is a good QB...it was the play calling on offense that was terrible.....Sarkisian never established a running game despite having a plethora of all-world tailbacks. A better OC will let Sanchez open up his game a little more

December 14, 2008  02:10 PM ET

Sanchez would be crazy to leave right now. This year USC's defense carried the team, but next year, with a new coordinator who will actually establish a running game, Sanchez is going to look so much better. He also will look better as a result of having a year as a starter under his belt.

Sanchez seems to be emotionally tied to Sarkisian, and I am sure that is affecting his decision making process, but he really needs to take a step back and consider how much better he will look next year, and how much more appealing he will be to the pros. His decision making on the field is still somewhat in question.

December 14, 2008  02:42 PM ET

Mabye that's why he's asking for the evaluation.

December 14, 2008  02:50 PM ET

Asking for an eval isn't the same as leaving. Remember there might be a rookie pay scale next year, so if he gets a good grade and maybe shoots up into the mid/late first round (probably unlikely, but we never know) it could make a world of difference. Tens of millions of them.

December 14, 2008  02:53 PM ET

With or without him the caravan will move on. I for one welcome his departure. I'd like to see Mustain or Corp get in.

December 14, 2008  03:14 PM ET

Maybe he wants to stick around to get his degree...?

December 14, 2008  05:06 PM ET

Sanchez is a 4th year junior, so he could already have his degree soon.

If Sanchez leaves, I would put support behind Mustain. He has a track record at Arkansas. Not bad to bring ARKANSAS to the SEC championship game. By that, 8-0 as a starter in the SEC...

December 14, 2008  05:46 PM ET

It is amazing how many high profile players USC has lying in the wait. I'd like to know what, exactly, Pete Carroll tells kids as he recruits them and convinces them that 3 or 4 potential NFL players are competing for the same position is no big deal. Amazing.

December 14, 2008  07:52 PM ET

He tells them they'll win a national championship and then sign a big NFL contract!

December 14, 2008  07:53 PM ET
QUOTE(#2):

USC can do better than Sanchez.

If this is true... (and it IS) then why in the world would the NFL want him...

December 14, 2008  07:54 PM ET
QUOTE(#8):

Asking for an eval isn't the same as leaving. Remember there might be a rookie pay scale next year, so if he gets a good grade and maybe shoots up into the mid/late first round (probably unlikely, but we never know) it could make a world of difference. Tens of millions of them.

Mid-1st round??? LOL.. He has as much of a chance of going in the middle of the 1st as I do...

December 14, 2008  09:51 PM ET
QUOTE(#11):

...Mustain. He has a track record at Arkansas. Not bad to bring ARKANSAS to the SEC championship game. By that, 8-0 as a starter in the SEC...

He was yanked in every game for bone head plays... And he was never prepared for games.
He would miss conditioning and strength drills regularly...

How has he done there???

December 14, 2008  10:00 PM ET
QUOTE(#2):

USC can do better than Sanchez.

I prefer Mustain......

December 15, 2008  12:46 AM ET

Looks like the quarterbacks are going to start transferring just like the running backs and receivers. He must bring the recruits in a room filled with 100 of the hottest USC school girls naked because the 1 1/2 championships can't be doing that much and they sure can't when the Heisman when there are 3 other people playing the same position that was a 5 star recruit just a year ago. I'd understand if he was just pulling Cali blue chippers but he gets prospects all over the country. HOW?! Change his name to Pimp Carroll.

December 15, 2008  02:57 AM ET

it seems to me that USC's quarterbacks under Pete Carroll have been much hyped but have proven little when it comes to the next level. Carson Palmer is on his way to becoming a disappointment, and Leinart couldn't beat out a 37 year old retread. Again, the media absolutely loves USC, so if any USC QB has a pulse, they are automatically Heisman candidates it seems

 
December 15, 2008  03:01 AM ET
QUOTE(#12):

It is amazing how many high profile players USC has lying in the wait. I'd like to know what, exactly, Pete Carroll tells kids as he recruits them and convinces them that 3 or 4 potential NFL players are competing for the same position is no big deal. Amazing.

as someone mentioned above, a lot of it is a smoke screen. How hard do you have to work to recruit when you are

1) just minutes away from the ocean or the mountains
2) you don't really have to go to class and study
3) all he has to do is parade the USC cheerleaders in front of a recruit a few times in those tight sweaters and make sure they are 'available'

its really not all that complicated is it?

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