Million Dollar Man

Heisman Winner Matt Leinart Staying at USC

I think he's a bit daft to pass up guaranteed millions for another shot at the college title he's already won twice, but you've got to applaud USC QB Matt Leinart for knowing what matters and realizing that once you leave the college experience, you can't go back. I hope his linemen next season play their hearts out for him and he doesn't get sacked--and thus face the threat of a career-ending injury--even once. To see a class act pay a multimillion dollar price for making the classy choice would really be sad.

Speaking of sad, I wonder how players and coaches at every Division I program that isn't USC are feeling right now? Oh, and Archie Griffin can spend another year wondering if his club of one is about to be joined, but he may as well start making room; unlike Jason White, last year's threat to repeat a Heisman win, Matt Leinart can actually throw the ball, and the fact that he passed up a shot at being at the top of the draft--something White really didn't have going for him--will make him a more sympathetic choice, as will his demolishing performance against White in the title game. White started this season with a leg down because he played badly against LSU; Leinart will start next season with both legs up on the rest of the Heisman field. It should be fun to watch.