Taylor Mays
Taylor Mays USC safety Taylor Mays has decided to return for his senior season rather than turn pro.

Mays is a third-year starter, a two-time All-American, and was a finalist for the Thorpe Award, given to the country's top defensive back. But on Tuesday, Mays announced that he would return for his final season of eligibility even though he is a projected first-rounder.

In a statement issued by the school, Mays said that he feels he has more to do as a Trojan and it will make him a better player.

"I can't say I want to come back so I can take Spanish 2, but I just think it would be best for me in the long run," he said. "It might affect making a million dollars right now but hopefully in 10 or 20 years I'll look back on it and be like, 'That was the right decision.' "

Trojans
coach Pete Carroll was, needless to say, is "delighted" with Mays' decision. Carroll feels that Mays is one of the most talented to ever play the position at USC.

"He and his family did a lot of research and made an educated decision," said Carroll. "He embodies all the virtues of staying. He wants to do this not only to improve as a player, but he's coming back for his team, for his school and for the fans. We're looking forward to Taylor having another outstanding season in 2009."

On the other side of the ball, Trojans quarterback Mark Sanchez still has not announced whether or not he will be returning for his senior season. The junior passed for 413 yards, four touchdowns and ran for another score in USC's 38-24 Rose Bowl victory.

The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is Thursday.