Pete Carroll: Mark Sanchez Is Making a Mistake Entering the NFL Draft
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1/15/2009 3:57 PM ET By Michael David Smith
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- Michael David Smith
- Michael David Smith is FanHouse's Lead Blogger
Every college football coach would love to have all his best players stay in school for all four years of their eligibility. But few college coaches are as blunt about it as Pete Carroll was today when he said he thought his quarterback, Mark Sanchez, was making the wrong decision by turning pro.
After Sanchez announced he was leaving school for what he described as a dream come true to play in the NFL, Carroll told the gathered media, "We don't see this decision the same. ... Mark is going against the grain on this decision. He knows that. He knows that coming out early is a tremendous challenge for a quarterback. And the statistics don't back up that it's easy to be successful the way he's going about it. We know that, he knows that. ... I don't agree with the assessment of the decision."
I basically agree with Carroll that Sanchez could use another year of seasoning as a passer. But I'm still surprised that Carroll would say it publicly. Even when they disagree with their players' decisions to turn pro, coaches usually grit their teeth, tell the media something bland along the lines of "I'm happy for him and his family," and leave it at that.
And, of course, it's not like staying in school is always the best option. Another USC quarterback, Matt Leinart, probably cost himself millions of dollars by deciding not to enter the 2005 NFL draft, when the 49ers probably would have taken him first, ahead of Alex Smith. As it turned out, he was chosen 10th overall by the Cardinals in 2006. And Leinart's backup at USC, Matt Cassel, has been just fine in the NFL with a lot less college experience than Sanchez has.
So yes, I think Sanchez would be better off in the 2010 draft than he will be in 2009. But it's not so cut-and-dried that I'd be willing to tell Sanchez not to follow his dream. Apparently Pete Carroll feels differently.
Via Adam Rose of All Things Trojan.
Read More: USC Pac 10 Mark+Sanchez, MarkSanchez, Pete+Carroll, PeteCarroll
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I see that no one cares about USC football. See ya Sanchez but before I go and FYI You would never have beaten the Gators for the NC in 08. Oh and BTW Good Luck in Detroit LMAO!
As much as I respect Pete Carroll, he's entirely wrong on this one. Sanchez will probably go first which means he'll be a Detroit Lion. They'll be patient with him and he'll be able to grow under the Lions and not be expected to win right away, the Lions are used to losing. Matt Lienart should have made the same decision. He stayed as the writer said and look how that turned out. To come out now, Sanchez doesn't have Tebow, and the Oklahoma quarterback to contend with. Let's say he's a bust, the guaranteed money this guy will get will be huge and more than enough for him to go back to school if he wants to but will also create a great life for himself and his family. Good luck to you Sanchez and Pete Carroll should not have been so vocal with his opinion. I'm sure Leinart took his opinion and look what happened to him.
trychina, you're totally wrong about sanchez going first. The first QB that's probably going to be taken is Stafford from Georgia. This is the problem with all of these young players. They see $$ signs and think it's going to be just as easy as it was in college. How many players, particularly Quarterbacks have we seen flop in the NFL that were great in College? Too many. The NFL is partly responsible for this. They should have a base pay scale for all rookies and if you prove your worth, you get paid more at your next contract. Sanchez should stay in school and work on honing his skills more. With regards to Leinart, many scouts predicted he wouldn't be a great Pro QB. On the flip side, look at Vince Young- he was an over-hyped bust!!!
Occasionally Pete Carroll drops his guard and reveals he's not always Mr. nice guy greates coach in the world. Best recruiter, maybe. Sanchez has a unique opportunity when the three best QB's all opt to return to their college teams next season. How would he go higher in the draft next year when these three QB's will most likely be in that year's draft? No, Pete's thinking about Pete. I guess he doesn't have a stockpiled QB in the wings as he does for most positions. Always good to hear him whine a little. Oh, BTW, thanks Oregon State for a wonderful Saturday.
Next year, you have Tebow, McCoy, and Bradford most likely coming out. This is a smart Business move on Sanchez's part to guarantee some serious cheese... He already has a Rose Bowl, and USC will prob get screwed out of another title game. what more can he ask for in college?
Next Stop: PAYDAY!!
Do you think I'm happy that Matt Stafford is going pro? We've had some fine QB's recently and Matt will maybe end up with Lions but, I think he's prepared. Sanchez, I have no clue. Oh, and Knowshon, I'm disappointed, if you end up with the Eagles, my hope, you'd be a great pair with bwest.
Have you seen Stafford in the pro set? I have no clue if Sanchez is as good as David Greene was.
Sancheese is way over rated........just another SC QB that wont cut the just like Lienart mustard.........go ahead....make someones day.......bust boy LOL
Pete Carroll tried to give Mark Sanchez sound advise. With only 16 games under his belt, he would have benefited from the extra year. Mark may have less competition coming out this year than next, but he is not ready. He cannot be compared to Tibow or Bradford at this point in time. Still ... we all wish him the best and hope he proves us wrong. Fight on Mark!
Sanchez is an idiot Leinart is a drunk So be it
Of course Sanchez is making the wrong move. He's a USC quarterback and his name is not Carson Palmer, which means he's very overrated. He should stay at school so he can enjoy the game for one more year. After that, he'll enjoy the paychecks (for about a year or two) but not the game.
Matt Cassel proved how many years of college football experience you need to play in the NFL: 0. Of course when your a back up to greatness your whole career, you tend to pick up a few tips and tricks.
After looking at the Draft order, i dont think Sanchez will make the top 10. Detroit should be a lock with stafford, the only other teams i can see picking up a QB in round 1 is the Chiefs @#3, 49ers@#10 and prob Tampa Bay@#19.
The Chiefs can stick with Thigpen.
49ers could use him, but its still not clear what the new coaching staff will be looking for. A QB is on thier list, but i think they will prob pick up an OT or Defensive Back.
The Bucs to me makes the most sense. Garcia is old... and Griese is, older!! and backup McCown from Oakland is not a great answer.
I agree with Pete..i dont think Mark is ready yet but im speaking like a true Trojan fan..i would have loved to see Mark come back and lead the Trojans to the BSC title game which will be played at the Rose Bowl..it will be interesting to see who drafts him..He will take his lumps with the Lions but i do wish the best for him..FIGHT ON TROJANS either way
Man after what I read from Collegefootballtalk site about this issue Pete acting like a broken up crazy gf man he cries about alot of stuff.
Sanchez doesn't care if he's ready in terms of play. He's ready in terms of MONEY. He would get lost in the draft next year. Can't blame him for going on, and USC will be just fine like they always are. They get so many great QBs in recruiting that I wonder why they can't just toss one our (Michigan's) way, haha.
As far as Carroll, even as a USC hater, I respect Carroll for not being PC. He doesn't bs you; he comes out and says what he thinks. First "nobody can beat us," now "he's going against the grain." Good for Carroll.
I think he went because next year he has too much competition. You got Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow. & Sam Bradford and more next year.
Even if he waited untill next year he would still be the first or second qb taken. Tebow is no better than a third round or later pick and I don't see McCoy as much of an NFL qb.
Oh well I see McCoy as QB in NFL, but I don't see Tebow as QB.
Hey, Pete just shown what is really like. He wants it all and doesn't care about his players, only the win game....Cry baby, hot shot wearing sun glasses....an empty suite or pair of shorts...Go Bucks, you at least have a real coach, not a hollywood want to be star
good luck in the pros Sanchez!!!
loooooowwwww classssss for pete - you have a great program -1.5 bc championships - now win all your games instead of continuing to complain at the end of every one loss season.