Matt Leinart
Arizona Cardinals Quarterback
After backing up Carson Palmer as a freshman at USC, Matt Leinart got his chance to take over the Trojans famed offense and never looked back. A collegiate career featuring two national titles, a Heisman Trophy, and a near miss as a Senior in the Rose Bowl will never be forgotten.
Leinart won the Heisman trophy as a Junior, and fellow teammate Reggie Bush won it in his Senior year. Despite being a consensus top draft pick in the 2005 draft, Leinart returned to college his Senior year to once again guide USC to the title game. In the regular season, Leinart led the Trojans to an amazing win at Notre Dame which will go down as one of the best games ever. With the clock ticking down to zero, Leinart dove in front of his offensive line, got a "push" from Bush, and toppled into the end zone to give USC a last second victory. He also threw for over 400 yards in that game. In Leinarts final game, equally as exciting as the Notre Dame game, Leinart himself had a great game, going 29-of-40 for a touchdown and 365 yards, but was overshadowed by Vince Young as the Longhorns beat the Trojans in a thrilling game that will not be forgotten.
Leinart was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the 10th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, and will back up veteran Kurt Warner until he learns the offense and acclimates his game to the NFL level.
2007 GridironTalk.com -