Carroll: Sanchez USC's starting QB

By Stewart Mandel, SI.COM

LOS ANGELES -- USC coach Pete Carroll announced before the Trojans' spring practice Tuesday that junior Mark Sanchez has emerged as the team's starting quarterback.

"If the season started Saturday, Sanchez would be the guy," Carroll said.

Sanchez had been competing with Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain. Both are former Parade players of the year.

Carroll informed Sanchez of his decision prior to a team meeting Tuesday afternoon.

Sanchez started three games last season when John David Booty was injured. As a sophomore he completed 69 of 114 passes for seven touchdowns and five interceptions.