Mark Sanchez
Mark Sanchez University of Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez has announced that he will forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. Sanchez figures to strike while the iron is hot coming off a spectacular performance in the Rose Bowl against Penn State.

The 22-year-old Sanchez is coming off one of the best games of his career when he set a Rose Bowl record by completing 80% of his passes in the UCS Trojans 38-24 victory over the Nittany Lions. The junior was 28-of-35 for 413 yards and four touchdowns.

"This has been a very difficult decision, one of the toughest of my life, that's for sure," Sanchez said. "I've toiled over it for a few days now, but in the end after sleepless nights and lots of prayer I have decided that I will forgo a fifth year at USC and declare my eligibility for the 2009 NFL Draft."

Georgia's
Matthew Stafford and now Sanchez are considered the top two quarterback prospects in the draft since Heisman winning Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Sam Bradford has decided to return to school next year.

Joining Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, and along with John David Booty, Mark Sanchez is the fourth in a line of outstanding quarterbacks to play under USC coach Pete Carroll. However Sanchez will be the first to come out early.

"This is a big moment for Mark Sanchez," Carroll said. "I'm thrilled for Mark because he's excited about it. 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."

The decision comes of the heals of the deadline to declare. Thursday is the last day for players to submit paperwork to the NFL to make themselves eligible for the draft.