Three From USC Are Weighing the Pros

USC quarterback Matt Leinart, middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu and punter Tom Malone are expected to announce today whether they will make themselves available for the NFL draft or return for a final season.

The players met individually with Coach Pete Carroll on Wednesday in the football offices at Heritage Hall. They have until Saturday to apply for inclusion in the April 23 draft.

“I’m not trying to talk them into anything. I’m just trying to explain the logic of it, and what makes sense,” said Carroll, who returned to Los Angeles from Hawaii, where he was vacationing for a few days. “I try and always give them the perspective of what the NFL looks at. They get everything but the NFL. They get agents and friends and buddies and family; they don’t get the real logic of what the league thinks.”

Carroll said his NFL contacts have told him that all three players “should stay, that they will increase their value, they’ll be better off, they’ll be more ready for when the time comes.”

Carroll acknowledged that Leinart would be “a real solid first-round pick.”

Leinart, the Heisman Trophy winner, said he thought Carroll offered a fair assessment of his potential draft status and that he presented “both sides.... A lot of the same stuff, just more information.”

Leinart said he was still unsure about his decision but would move forward without looking back after making it.

If Leinart returns to USC, he will lead a team that will probably start the season ranked No. 1 with a chance to win an unprecedented third consecutive national title.

“I’m talking to him about his life and how it fits together -- I’m not talking about the prospects of our football team,” Carroll said. “It’s about him.... We talk very, very little about anything that has to do with us.”

Norm Chow, USC’s offensive coordinator, said Leinart was ready to play in the NFL but could also “get better” by staying at USC for one more year.

“When the choices are both good, it’s a tough decision to make,” Chow said. “If it’s good and bad, it’s easy.... It’s obviously wearing on him.”

Underclassmen who are considering the draft can find out where they might be selected by submitting a petition to the league. A panel of personnel directors determines an estimated round, or range of rounds.

Leinart did not petition, because he was regarded as a certain first-round pick. Tatupu said he missed the deadline to apply. Malone chose not to petition because punters are rarely slotted in the draft.

Tatupu, who led USC in tackles this season, said he was leaning toward turning pro, “until that conversation” with Carroll.

Tatupu said Carroll gave him a range based on conversations with NFL contacts.

“They say I’d be going in as third or fourth round, but you could even fall out of the draft as an underclassman,” Tatupu said. “So that’s kind of scary.”

Tatupu, however, said that with his film and a strong performance before pro scouts, “I can be third-round, possibly late second.”

Though he would not receive the multimillion-dollar windfall that might await Leinart, Tatupu cited financial considerations as motivation for possibly leaving.

“I’ve seen other guys have success in the league that I feel I’m comparable to,” he said. “It’s really tough to sit back and watch people get paid.... I love this place and I love the coaching staff and the opportunity they’ve given me, but it’s time to figure out what’s in my best interest.”

Malone, an All-American in 2003, said he came out of his meeting with Carroll “feeling he supports me either way.”

Malone said his decision would be based on “more of a gut on what I feel is going to be best,” rather than whether Leinart returns to direct an offense that would probably offer limited punting opportunities.

“It’s not something [where] I’m on the phone waiting for him to tell me so I can make my decision,” Malone said.

If Leinart opts to leave, redshirt sophomore John David Booty will move to the top of the depth chart. Redshirt freshman Rocky Hinds and incoming freshman Mark Sanchez of Mission Viejo High would also compete for the job.

Fifth-year senior Collin Ashton and redshirt junior Oscar Lua were listed behind Tatupu on the depth chart going into the Orange Bowl.

The Trojans did not have a backup punter on scholarship. Walk-on redshirt Taylor Odegard kicked with the Trojans during practice.