Video: Mark Sanchez leaves USC for the NFL

USC quarterback Mark Sanchez announced on Thursday that he will forgo his fifth year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

After his initial statement, the Trojan star went on to give an Oscar-worthy performance (errr, acceptance speech?) and thanked a lot of people who have worked behind the scenes at USC:

"It is because of USC that I have this great opportunity, and there are some thank yous, as you can imagine. A lot of people are in this room. [USC President] Dr. Sample, [athletic director] Mike Garrett, obviously Coach Carroll, for preparing me to take this step. I want to thank my teammates, who will always be my Trojan family. I will never forget the plane rides, the bus trips, the hotel, the locker room, it's all been so fun. Everything I dreamed of and more. Equipment mangers Dave Scott, Tito Dominguez, G, Seth, everybody, you guys have been awesome. Just so fun. Trey and Hammer Dillingham and Student Academic Athletic Services. Magdi El-Shahawy, my learning specialist, Dr. Jennifer Castro. Coach Carlisle and his strength staff for equipping me physically for this next step. The athletic training staff, Russ Romano, Paul Diaz, Chris Grosskopf, Dr. John Meyer, Dr. Tibone, Dr. Watkins, thank you all.

"I want to thank the fans. The fans in Southern California, across the country, and around the world. They are something special. They're doing it right. They're cheering for the best team in college football. They have embraced me, not only as their quarterback, but as a member of this community, as their leader. I am eternally grateful. They have inspired me to play my very best, especially in the Coliseum. That was something very special. I will remember that forever.

"To my family, my dad and my mom, I'm so excited. This is really special for me. Both of my brothers have been so supportive. I love you very much.

"It has been an absolute honor to represent this university, and I will do my best to continue to do that, to be a positive role model in the community, and represent what USC is all about. I hope that the Trojan family will continue to support me as I take this next step, as I will be always supportive of them. Thank you to this great academic institution, this legendary program. I will always fight on. Thank you."

-- Adam Rose

Comments

[Happy4LA]

Why did Mark Sanchez forget the most important person of his college caree, Leonard Levine? Is it because he's a UCLA honk?

http://thewizardofodds.blogspot.com/2006/05/uscs-sanchez-hires-ucla-attorney.html