Carrier, Safety for USC, Will Enter the NFL Draft

Mark Carrier, twice a first-team All-American safety, has decided to follow linebacker Junior Seau’s lead and leave USC before his senior season in order to enter the NFL draft, scheduled for April 22-23.

“This was a very difficult decision for me, but I felt that in the long run it was in the best interest of me and my family if I entered the NFL draft now,� Carrier said. “I feel as if I’ve accomplished all I can accomplish at USC and I’m ready to step up to the challenges of the next level.�

Seau, who made his decision a month ago, is expected to be a top pick in the draft, whereas Carrier is projected as a middle first-round or high second-round choice.

“I realize it’s a gamble to come out early because it’s so hard to project what will happen in the draft, but I’m willing to see what happens,� Carrier said.

Carrier said he has no second thoughts about his decision. “My feeling was if I didn’t go, I’d always be asking myself, ‘What if?’ I don’t think that would be fair to my teammates.�

Carrier, who was a redshirt freshman from Long Beach Poly High, would have been a fifth-year senior.

A communications major, Carrier is only three classes away from graduating, and said he plans to obtain his degree.

“USC will always be my home,� Carrier said. “I have USC to thank for helping me become the person I am today. I’d especially like to thank all my coaches and teammates for their support and help.�

Carrier had 13 interceptions and 336 tackles during a three-year career as a starter.

“Mark has been an outstanding student-athlete at USC,� Coach Larry Smith said. “He has achieved great heights here and he’s been a tremendous asset to our program.

“I know his decision was well thought out solely by him and his family,� Smith said. “Mark told me that the hardest part of his decision was having to leave a place that he loves. He’s a great person and we all wish him much luck and success in his quest in pro football.�