Report: Sanchez is Southern Cal QB starter

April 16, 2008
Sporting News staff reports

Fourth-year junior Mark Sanchez has been given Southern Cal's starting quarterback job heading into fall camp, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Sanchez's primary competitor was Mitch Mustain, a sophomore who sat out last season after transferring from Arkansas, where he went undefeated in eight starts as a true freshman.

"The advantage that Mark has had by being around ... just gives him a decisive advantage and he was able to come out here and battle and throw the ball well and play with confidence and give himself the spot," Trojans coach Pete Carroll told the Times.

Last year's starter, John David Booty, finished his college eligibility with more than 6,000 passing yards and 55 touchdown passes. Sporting News' War Room scouts project that Booty will be drafted in the fourth round in the April 26-27 NFL draft.

The Trojans' spring scrimmage is schedule for Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 2 p.m. ET.