Pat Haden’s first year rocky; road ahead looks better.

Check out the stylin Raiders hat David has on. Way to go David!

In Senior Bowl practice, USC Linebackers are consistently raising their stock. Rey Maualuga manhandled Clemson’s RB James Davis in one-on-one drills, but it is Brian Cushing who is turning heads. Showing great understanding, instincts, and an excellent ability in blitzing from the outside, Cushing is showing his versatility and ability to potentially adapt to a 3-4 system.

The race will supposedly be between backups Mitch Mustain and Aaron Corp. Mustain played some light minutes for the Trojans this season, often getting pulled after throwing an interception. Aaron Corp threw 4 pass attempts all year, in the first two games of the season, before moving down the depth chart below Mustain.

Mustain will be a senior, and therefore most deserving. However, his performance this season was less than stellar. Some 1st team practice experience, in addition to significant game time, could perhaps clean that up.

However, Mustain will still lack the experience that Sanchez stepped into 2008 with. Sanchez was 2-1 in the 2007 season, throwing over 100 pass attempts for 69 completions and nearly 700 yards. He had a passer rating of 123.22.

In comparison, Mustain threw 16 pass attempts for 157 yards, 2 touchdowns (one of which accounted for 59 of his yards), and 2 interceptions. This is hardly the gametime experience that USC would want from a Senior Starter. He will have to develop as the season progresses, which does not look good for hopes of an undefeated season.

Corp will be a sophomore this year, and thus spending gametime developing can be excused as preparation for the long run.

But if Pete Carroll is truly thinking ahead, he will put in the #1 High School Quarterback of the last two years, Matt Barkley. As ESPN.com’s Ted Miller notes in his blog, Carroll generally chooses experience over talent, even if that experience is only in practice. Mustain could win over Barkley simply by knowing the system better.

Barkley has an advantage, though. Not only is he the most talented high school quarterback in recent years, with prototypical size and a rocket arm. He is also a true pocket quarterback.

Throw all that talent aside, and you still have the fact that Barkley is already on the University Park Campus. Yes, Matt Barkley graduated early from high school, and is on campus. What wonders could Carroll work with an extra semester to teach Barkley the playbook, and get him started on conditioning?

That answer I will leave to the future, but the possibilities (USC’s first 4 year QB in a long time) are quite enticing…

For more, here is the source of my information: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft09/news/story?id=3833465 .

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.