Leinart to return for senior season

Southern California quarterback won't enter NFL draft

? Matt Leinart passed on the NFL for a chance to make history at Southern California. The Heisman Trophy winner will return to USC for his senior season and try to lead the Trojans to an unprecedented third straight national championship.

“I went with my gut. I went with my heart,” the quarterback said.

Leinart opted to complete his eligibility rather than enter the NFL draft, where he figured to be one of the top selections in April and become an instant millionaire.

Instead, he’ll have a chance to become just the second two-time Heisman winner.

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.

Leinart has made clear for months his desire to stay in school. He said last August he definitely would return because he loved playing for the Trojans, he needed to get stronger physically and make other improvements.

More recently, he said he was leaning toward returning, but would investigate his options.

In the end, Leinart decided the risk of serious injury or a subpar performance next season was worth it.

Leinart consulted coaches, friends, teammates, NFL quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Ben Roethlisberger and his parents.

The 21-year-old left-hander said he didn’t come to a final decision until Friday.

Two other USC juniors, linebacker Lofa Tatupu and punter Tom Malone, also announced decisions on their futures. Tatupu said he was making himself eligible for the NFL draft, while Malone said he would return to USC.