Leinart Chooses USC

Mater Dei senior quarterback Matt Leinart has committed to USC, Monarch Coach Bruce Rollinson said Monday.

Leinart said USC was where he felt most comfortable, “plus it’s a place where my family could see me a lot. I’m really excited.”

The quarterback said he was leaning toward Michigan a few weeks ago but started wavering before making his final decision Monday.

One of the big factors in Leinart’s decision was his relationship with the Trojan coaches, he said. Leinart said he had developed a bond with running backs coach Kennedy Pola, a Mater Dei alumnus, and liked offensive coordinator Hue Jackson and Coach Paul Hackett.

Leinart said he was undaunted by the presence of USC standout quarterback Carson Palmer, who will have three years of eligibility remaining.

“I know Carson pretty well, and he’s a great guy to learn from,” Leinart said. “If he stays there, I think that will benefit me. If I got a chance to start as a freshman, that will be great, but if I redshirt that will be great too. That will help me prepare for [the 2002 season].”

As a junior, Leinart completed 61% of his passes for 2,273 yards and 15 touchdowns and had six passes intercepted.