Hola, Mark Sanchez! Hasta Luego, Tarvaris Jackson!

Today, Jan. 14, 2009, USC Quarterback Mark Sanchez told reporters that he will be forgoing his senior season to enter the 2009 NFL Draft. In his junior year he passed for 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

In addition, Oklahoma Quarterback Sam Bradford announced he will be staying at Oklahoma for another year, raising Sanchez' stock even higher.

There are only a few teams that enter the 2009 draft looking for a quarterback: Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, and the Minnesota Vikings.

Unless you're clueless about the NFL, or the Minnesota Vikings, you know that they need a quarterback rather badly.Minnesota currently holds the No. 23 pick currently. There is a great chance that they will have to trade up if they want Mark on their team.

Sanchez is a 22-year-old stud with a very accurate arm. His former teammate, John David Booty, is on the Vikings' squad right now, which makes it all the more intriguing.

Booty is a project right now, and may not ever make a real impact in the league. Gus Frerotte is a 37-year-old who will likely call it quits sometime very soon. Last, but certainly not the worst of the bunch, is Tarvaris Jackson. All three of these men are not starting material in this league.

The Vikings should draft a quarterback in the first round. Yes, there are a few quarterbacks in the market, but none with serious turn-around potential.


My Top 5 College Quarterback Prospects

1. Matthew Stafford, Georgia
2. Mark Sanchez, USC
3. Josh Freeman, Kansas State
4. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
5. Nate Davis, Ball State

Colt McCoy would be second, but I doubt he comes out this year. He will likely give Texas another year and try to bring them a National Championship. I would also like to give recognition to Curtis Painter from Purdue.

Those are six likely options (seven if you count McCoy.)

Mark Sanchez would be the instant turn-around for the Vikings—the main tool they need to get over the hump. After rookie quarterback Joe Flacco has led the the Ravens to the AFC Championship, there is no telling what impact Sanchez would have for the Vikings.

I'm guessing it would be one for the ages.

Hop aboard the Mark Sanchez band-wagon, everyone—I know I'm a first class passenger on this ride.