When Mark Sanchez announced that he was going to skip his senior year and enter the NFL Draft, USC coach Pete Carroll was visibly disappointed. He made no bones about it, he thought Sanchez made the wrong decision.
It's hard to tell where Pete's coming from on this one. Some people question his motives, since it's obvious that he wouldn't mind seeing Sanchez return to play for USC for another year. However, I don't believe that's the case, here. USC is in good shape at the QB position, with 3 returning QB's, including former Arkansas starter Mitch Mustain, and they are also bringing in freshman Matt Barkley, the #1 QB recruit in the country.
I really think that Pete is trying to look out for Sanchez here. Carroll genuinely believes that with a bit more experience, Sanchez could become a better NFL prospect than he is right now. I also think he's right. That being said, I think that entering the draft this year really is in Sanchez' best interest.
While he might have been able to come back and polish his resume a bit more with another year in school, there are other factors to consider as well. This year's QB class is one of the weakest in recent memory, since several of the top QB's have elected to return to school. Matt Stafford is the highest rated QB in the draft, but there's a larg gap after that... a gap that is now filled with Mark Sanchez. He could go anywhere from the the middle of the first round to the late second round. Considering next year will likely see Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow (take your guesses as to where he'll end up in the draft) coming out of school, I believe Sanchez is making a wise decision.
What if Matt Leinart had come out after his junior year, he likely would have gone to the 49ers instead of Alex Smith in the 2005 draft. That would have increased his payday substantially, and there's a great chance that he wouldn't be Kurt Warner's backup right now. Hindsight is 20/20, but in the case of a QB with first round potential, it's usually best to strike while the iron is hot. For Sanchez, the time is now, no matter what Pete Carroll says.
I have to say, that was one of the most awkward press conferences that I've ever seen. Personally, I think Pete Carroll embarrassed not only himself but the university with his actions. It's one think to not like the decision but it's another to openly undermine this kid and rain on his parade like Carroll did. If he's willing to do that in public, I cant imagine what he has said to NFL personnel in private.
I have to say, that was one of the most awkward press conferences that I've ever seen. Personally, I think Pete Carroll embarrassed not only himself but the university with his actions. It's one think to not like the decision but it's another to openly undermine this kid and rain on his parade like Carroll did. If he's willing to do that in public, I cant imagine what he has said to NFL personnel in private.
I have to say, that was one of the most awkward press conferences that I've ever seen. Personally, I think Pete Carroll embarrassed not only himself but the university with his actions. It's one think to not like the decision but it's another to openly undermine this kid and rain on his parade like Carroll did. If he's willing to do that in public, I cant imagine what he has said to NFL personnel in private.
You know, part of me agrees with you Scott - and part of me says "OK Sunshine - you are blowing off college to go for the bucks as an average college QB - you just forfited your "kid" status - welcome to the real world!"
You know, part of me agrees with you Scott - and part of me says "OK Sunshine - you are blowing off college to go for the bucks as an average college QB - you just forfited your "kid" status - welcome to the real world!"
The only thing Sanchez is blowing off is playing college football for USC, which is what pi$$es off Pete Carroll. He wasnt able to convince Sanchez to stick around like he did Taylor Mays. Sanchez is scheduled to graduate this spring with a degree in communications, so why not pocket that degree and take a chance in the NFL draft. He already knows the quarterback class is pretty weak this year and he stands to cash in as one of the top 2 quarterbacks taken.
Sanchez may cash in but if u look at past USC QB"s they havent done all that great.Leinart started and is now a backup. Cassel will go back to being a backup if Brady returns and going to the LIONS isnt going to help Sanchez in the least little bit!!!I think thats why Coach Carroll was hoping he would wait another year before moving on to the NFL.As always its about the money not the big picture of it all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing Sanchez is blowing off is playing college football for USC, which is what pi$$es off Pete Carroll. He wasnt able to convince Sanchez to stick around like he did Taylor Mays. Sanchez is scheduled to graduate this spring with a degree in communications, so why not pocket that degree and take a chance in the NFL draft. He already knows the quarterback class is pretty weak this year and he stands to cash in as one of the top 2 quarterbacks taken.
Once again I shot off my mouth without knowing all the facts - gee first time this hour! Thanks for setting me straight Scott - if the kid is going to graduate then there is no need for him tp stay behind...
Sanchez could use more polishing, but he has the 4th strongest arm in this QB draft and with Stafford he is one of the few available signal callers with a decent amount of experience in a pro style offense. USC is deep at QB and Carroll is a 2 time pro HC who sees Sanchez clearly. Mays is actually more NFL ready than Sanchez. Could have been more supportive? Yes. More honest? No.
Pete did not want to say the normal coachspeak like other coaches might have done when an underclassman leaves for the NFL. He was concerned that Mark was not maximizing his oppotunities and taking advantage of the extra year given to him. Now as for the press conference itself, it was awkward but Pete is straight shooter and is not going to BS the media and especially Mark. Calling it an embarassment might be too strong of a word.
He is selfish and has no class. There are better ways to handle how he feels in private. There was no need for him to behave as he did. I think all his winning has gone to his head and not in a good way.
Sanchez could use more polishing, but he has the 4th strongest arm in this QB draft and with Stafford he is one of the few available signal callers with a decent amount of experience in a pro style offense. USC is deep at QB and Carroll is a 2 time pro HC who sees Sanchez clearly. Mays is actually more NFL ready than Sanchez. Could have been more supportive? Yes. More honest? No.
Hold on Bill, behind the greatness that is Mitch Mustain (heavy sarcasm) do they really have a viable option? Pete Carroll may be honest, yes, in thinking...'oh crap if Sanchez leaves we're screwed' Seriously, what other big time coach is going to sit there and not support a kid that they are entrusted with their best interests?
The only thing Sanchez is blowing off is playing college football for USC, which is what pi$$es off Pete Carroll. He wasnt able to convince Sanchez to stick around like he did Taylor Mays. Sanchez is scheduled to graduate this spring with a degree in communications, so why not pocket that degree and take a chance in the NFL draft. He already knows the quarterback class is pretty weak this year and he stands to cash in as one of the top 2 quarterbacks taken.
I agree completely.
The kid is getting a degree in communications and probably has and eye toward broadcasting.
If he comes out this year, instead of next, he will not have to compete with Tebow, McCoy or Bradford in the draft, which gives him the best shot of maximizing his dollars in the draft by going higher, as the author pointed out in the original post.
If he succeeds in the NFL all the better, if not, take the money in the draft and after a couple years get a great job as an analyst.
Alright, I thought I just made a post but screwed up... here goes again...
Carroll's reaction is ridiculous. Sanchez just won you the Rose Bowl, he stayed in school for 4 years, he's graduating, he's already 22, and he's being told he'll be a first round pick, potentially #1 overall. Sanchez would be an idiot to stay. He plays a position that's more susceptible to injury than any other, all it takes is one twist of his knee and he may never be able to play again. Furthermore, Sam Bradford deciding to stay made it even more of a must for Sanchez to leave. As Pat said, we saw what happened with Leinart when he would've been the #1 pick in all likelihood, stayed in school, fell to #10. Right now, it appears Matthew Stafford is his only competition for being the top QB taken, it's a down year at the position. Even if you play the greatest season imaginable for a college QB Senior year, it's quite possible you wouldn't even be selected higher(especially if it's the 1st pick this year). Go now, wouldn't even take me a minute to think about it if I were in his shoes.
Hold on Bill, behind the greatness that is Mitch Mustain (heavy sarcasm) do they really have a viable option? Pete Carroll may be honest, yes, in thinking...'oh crap if Sanchez leaves we're screwed' Seriously, what other big time coach is going to sit there and not support a kid that they are entrusted with their best interests?
Yes Aaron Corp is yet another future first 3 round draft pick type, Mustain may not have achieved "greatness" but I can tell you that NFL talent evaluators like his upside. I don't think Sanchez is wrong or stupid for leaving, and in fact it is the proper financial decision, however he would benefit as a quarterback fom another year of playing college football and practicing with the athletes and staff at USC. Carroll's staff are very good at preparing thier guys for the league and Sanchez is very close to being ready now, hence his shot at going early.
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