Pete Carroll announced yesterday that top NFL prospect Taylor Mays will not be entering the NFL Draft, as reported by the The Daily Breeze.

Also returning are draft eligible halfback CJ Gable and cornerback Josh Pinkard. Still no news on Mark Sanchez.

However, Mays’ return will definitely impact Sanchez’ decision. With Mays still on the team, the Trojans’ defense retains an All-American Safety on a defense that will definitely need his leadership, as he will be the only returning starter.

With Mays’ integral talent and leadership returning to the defensive side of the ball, Sanchez will hopefully jump at the chance to steer his offense towards a National Championship.

Where only one player (Mays) is returning on the defense, only one player (WR Patrick Turner) is leaving the offense. If Sanchez returns, the Cardinal and Gold offensive attack will flourish, and possibly reach the level of the Leinart-Bush days.

Sanchez is still expected to return, despite the national hype surrounding his Rose Bowl performance.

However, Taylor Mays was expected to leave, showing that anything is still possible.