http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
At a time when USC coach Pete Carroll is trying to figure out which of his guys will leave school early for the NFL draft, we're surprised that he has the time or the inclination to assess the chances of a guy who doesn't play for him.
But that didn't stop Caroll on Friday, when he opined that Texas quarterback Vince Young should give up his final year of eligibility and declare for the April selection meeting.
"Vince Young's stock couldn't go higher," Carroll said.
Gee. We wonder whether Carroll made that same statement a year ago to his own quarterback with one year left at the time, Matt Leinart. Like Young, Leinart had just won a national title. Unlike Young, Leinart also had the Heisman tucked under his arm.
And Leinart clearly would have been the No. 1 overall pick of the 49ers in 2005. Alex Smith? Please. Leinart would have been the guy, no question.
So does anyone think that Carroll told Leinart that it was a no-brainer to leave with his draft stock at its pinnacle? Hell no.
"I feel we have done all we could to give him all the information, to give him both sides," Carroll said after Leinart announced in 2005 his intention to return for his final year of eligibility, even though the educational component of his time in college was essentially over (but for that ballroom dancing class).
And we now wonder whether Pete will help make up some of the $10 million or more difference in total contract value that Leinart will realize due to the fact that he waited a year. (Matt, don't hold your breath while doing the tango.)
Heck, if anything, Carroll is making Leinart's financial fate even worse by arguing that Young -- who'd likely be taken before Leinart -- should leave school early.
So on Leinart's behalf -- thanks for nothing, Pete.
