- Feb 17, 2004
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TextHeisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart will be back for his senior season at Southern California and try to lead the Trojans to an unprecedented third straight national championship.
The USC quarterback announced his decision Friday, opting to complete his eligibility rather than enter the NFL draft, where he figured to be one of the top selections and become an instant millionaire.
``I realized the opportunity right now to support my family by going to the NFL early, but to me I think college football and this whole atmosphere here and being with my fans and my teammates ... is ultimately more satisfying and will make me happier than any amount of money could make someone happy,'' he said.
There was a roar of approval from a crowd of about 500 students and fans jammed into the foyer at Heritage Hall to hear Leinart's decision.
``OK, so I'm smiling,'' a beaming coach Pete Carroll said after Leinart's announcement.
He was afraid he'd get drafted by the Niners heheh