Pete Carroll: Mark Sanchez Is Making a Mistake Entering the NFL Draft

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.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-15-2009 @ 6:42PM

cygnus said...

calm down Pete it's not as if you don't have 3 former high school all americans ro reokace him. not to mention the top qb recruit coming in next year.you just have you coach them a little better next year so you don't blow your shot at the title again.

1-15-2009 @ 11:22PM

Stoney said...

What happen Mr. Carroll? Didn't get your boy back. I'm sure he really enjoyed the send off you gave him, Coach.
He plays his ass off for you and this is how you say "thank you" in front of the nation.
Coach speak: Mark's making a mistake, His statistics aren't ggod enough for the next level. They only show a QB that can only play at USC next year because we are losing a lot of others and we'll really suck if he leaves.
Hey Coach, did he throw you under the bus when you get out- coached or out syked-jobbed by "roll over" teams and under brained coaches (Stanford,Oregon St, and UCLA)(should we include Texas, had them beat till yor "D" to the 4th off)? Dat my friend, kept USC out of the house you had owned and had leased for the last two (Dup, Three seasons). Damn BRO!
Mark go kick ass in the NFL. You have as much talent as anyone. Sonny Jurgensen said "if can get the ball to the spot where the receiver is supposed be, when he is supposed to be there, and by chance the receiver just happens to be there , and you do that alot. You are a very good QB. It doesn't matter how it looks or how long it takes to get it there. Keep out of the other dudes mits, "HAELL YEAH. There were a lot of QBs that didn't and don't have your arm. You'll be fine, in no time Dog.
Carroll; See ya JERK!

3-08-2009 @ 10:49AM

yamahawatercraft said...

Well, Stoney, If you are such an expert why don't you go coach a team and see how your assessment of players you pick will do ? I think Pete Carroll has done a great job at USC. many other's have said the same thing Sanchez, he should play one more year in college. But he see's the money in front of him too good of a deal to pass up. I personally do not blame him , as in any sport you are one play away from being injured severely. Sanchez is going to get the money he needs to start his life, with no money worries in this economy you do what you have too. I for one thinks he needs another year but, you have to look at the injury possibility, world events, economy ect and make a decision based on everything not just football. He thinks he needs to do this well then good luck Mr. Sanchez, you will get paid, in the draft but, how will your career go is still to be seen. Only thing is we can never know who will be right Pete Carroll's assessment of Mark Sanchez or Mark Sanchez's to turn PRO. Time will tell most of it hopefully, it will work out for everyone.