After Reconsideration, Leinart Still Picks USC

Mater Dei quarterback Matt Leinart, Orange County’s most prolific passer this season, said he will attend USC after meeting new Trojan offensive coordinator Norm Chow.

Leinart had committed to USC in August but wavered after Paul Hackett was fired in November. Leinart visited Oklahoma and was planning to visit Arizona State next weekend before deciding to stick with the Trojans.

Leinart said he looks forward to playing for Chow, known for running wide-open, pass-oriented offenses. Leinart said Chow, who also will coach the quarterbacks, told him that returning quarterback Carson Palmer isn’t guaranteed the starting position and that “the best quarterback is going to play.”

“[Chow] told me he’s not afraid to play a freshman,” Leinart said.

Last season, Chow helped develop Phillip Rivers, North Carolina State’s record-breaking freshman quarterback who led the Wolfpack to the Micronpc.com Bowl.

Leinart said he is more excited about playing for the Trojans after committing for the second time.

“These new coaches are really going to help the program a lot,” Leinart said.