USC Football: Preseason Quarterback Evaluation

With a long summer ahead until USC's opener against Virginia, I felt that I would take the time to delve deeply into the USC roster, with position-by-position breakdowns.

Quarterbacks:

Mark Sanchez, 6-3, 225, Redshirt Jr.

Sanchez has been confirmed as the starter, but competition is still strong from Mitch Mustain and Aaron Corp. Anything can happen between now and the end of Fall Camp. Sanchez, who started three games last year in place of John David Booty, is considered a gunslinger and has worked hard on his decision-making during the spring. Considered to have been producing a mediocre spring, Sanchez finished strongly at the Trojan Huddle, completing 16-of-24 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns. Questions remain on his ability to lead the team and not to make bonehead mistakes.

Mitch Mustain, 6-3, 210, Redshirt So.

Mustain is considered a backup to Sanchez after his transfer from Arkansas. Mustain spent last year as the scout-team quarterback and impressed many with his ability. With all the physical attributes needed to be successful at this level, Mustain should compete throughout Fall Camp, hoping that the coaching staff reconsiders who the starter should be. He played well at the Trojan Huddle, completing 6-of-10 pass attempts for 111 yards and two touchdowns while sharing time with Aaron Corp.

Aaron Corp, 6-4, 195, Redshirt Fr.

Corp is the de facto third-string quarterback. While he is the most athletic quarterback on the roster, he is the least experienced and probably has the weakest arm, although it's still quite strong. Considered at the beginning of spring as a player that will have to put in his time and wait his turn until after Sanchez graduates, Corp impressed many during spring with his play and fared well at the Trojan Huddle, completing 13-of-16 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns, leading the team to victory in overtime.