Trojans Name Team Captains

USC named their football team captains for 2008. Pictured from left to right are Brian Cushing, Kevin Ellison, Mark Sanchez, and Jeff Byers.

It says a lot that the team voted for Sanchez, the lone junior in the group. He was only named starting quarterback in the spring and has missed a lot of preseason camp with a dislocated kneecap (he still seems on track to start against Virginia). Following in the footsteps of former captain John David Booty, Sanchez was seen reporting to 6 a.m. weight-room sessions this offseason to join his offensive line. Quarterbacks aren't usually expected to be working out that early, but it's considered a good time to bond with teammates.

Perhaps the most noteworthy change in this year's captains is personality. This seems to be a much more vocal and energetic group (as opposed to the strong, silent types from last season). In particular, Sanchez seems to wear his heart on his sleeve and was epitomized in this moment during the 4th quarter of the Arizona game last season: