Leinart Says He’s Still Undecided on the NFL

USC quarterback Matt Leinart said Tuesday that he was grappling with a decision whether to enter the NFL draft or return for his final season of eligibility but still planned to announce his decision Thursday.

“I’m not leaning one way or the other,” said Leinart, who spoke with reporters for about 20 minutes on campus at Heritage Hall. “I think it’s really down the middle.

“There are so many pros and cons to both decisions.... It’s almost like I learn something new every day.... Whatever I do, I’m just going to be happy with my decision and move on from there.”

Leinart, 21, won the Heisman Trophy and helped lead the Trojans to their second consecutive national title. The fourth-year junior from Orange County capped USC’s first perfect season since 1972 by passing for five touchdowns in a 55-19 rout of Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 4.

Since then, Leinart and his family have tried to glean information about his potential draft status. USC Coach Pete Carroll, offensive coordinator Norm Chow, NFL personnel directors, NFL players and agents have offered information and opinions as the NFL’s Saturday deadline for declaring for the draft nears.

“It’s going to be his decision based on the information he has from everybody,” said Leinart’s father, Bob, who owns a Los Angeles-based giftware representation firm.

The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Leinart is regarded as a certain first-round pick -- and a possible top-five selection -- in an April 23 draft that will also include California quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Utah quarterback Alex Smith. Both players announced last week that they were forgoing their final seasons of eligibility.

Leinart, who played at Santa Ana Mater Dei High, is weighing the chance to make millions of dollars and start his pro career against the opportunity to help USC win an unprecedented third consecutive national title.

Carroll has been in Hawaii the last few days. Leinart spoke with Carroll by phone Monday and will meet with the coach today.

“I look at it, really, as a win-win situation for me,” said Leinart, who has been invited to attend next week’s presidential inauguration. “If I leave, I’m fulfilling my dream as a player in the NFL to get a shot to try and do that. Or I stay in school and be here with something that is really special that’s going on.

“I think it’s really the start of a dynasty. I know that’s kind of a bold statement, but it’s just obvious what were doing here and what Coach Carroll is doing.”

Cincinnati Bengal quarterback Carson Palmer and Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Ben Roethlisberger are among the NFL players from whom Leinart has sought counsel. Palmer won the Heisman as a senior at USC in 2002 and was the first player chosen in the 2003 draft. He received a $14-million signing bonus. Roethlisberger left Miami of Ohio after his junior season in 2003 and was selected 11th overall by the Steelers in last year’s draft. He received a $9-million signing bonus.

“I figured that [Roethlisberger] would be a perfect guy to talk to because he was in the same situation last year,” Leinart said.

Leinart welcomed the feedback, but he acknowledged that he was experiencing information overload. Thoughts about his decision can change hour to hour.

“You’re leaning one way and then someone says something or you hear something and you just say, ‘Oh. Maybe I should do this. Maybe I should do that.’

“A lot of people have said they don’t envy me being in this situation because in a way it’s a great position to be in, but if you look at it on the other hand it’s one of the biggest decisions of my life.”

Leinart said the decision is even tougher to make because of the limited time frame. USC’s appearance in the Orange Bowl left Leinart with roughly 10 days to research his decision.

“It doesn’t really seem like enough time,” he said.

After winning the Heisman and two national titles, Leinart acknowledged that he had “done almost as much as you can possibly do” as a college player.

But, he added, “if I come back it’s not about winning another Heisman. I don’t really care. It’s not about trophies and awards. It’s just about winning and being here with my team and all that.”

Leinart said he would not be overly concerned about injury if he returns.

Leinart had major arm surgery in high school and played through tendinitis in his left elbow last season. He went through spring practice and played last season covered by a $1-million insurance policy that was purchased by his parents through Lloyd’s of London. The coverage probably would be increased if he returns, but as Leinart noted, “that doesn’t compare to a big signing bonus.”

Leinart, however, said he would not let fear of injury affect him.

“I’m not going to play scared,” he said. “I could go play pickup basketball and hurt my ankle or my knee and be gone for the whole year.”

Leinart is enrolled in spring semester classes at USC and said he is 18 units shy of completing his degree in sociology. He said he would weigh all factors before announcing his decision.

“It’s really just going to be a gut decision,” he said. “I still look at it as I’m going to win either way and be happy with what I do. It’s just what my gut tells me and what I feel at the time.”