LOS ANGELES — What’s better than nine of 11 offensive starters returning in 2009? Try 10 of 11.
That’s the tantalizing prospect awaiting USC after the NCAA granted senior guard Jeff Byers a sixth year of eligibility. Byers, who graduated from Loveland High School and was the 2003 Denver Post Gold Helmet winner, said Friday he plans to use it to be part of a unit he believes can become “one of the most prolific offenses in college football history.”
The odds of that happening improve greatly if quarterback Mark Sanchez returns. He has said he will make his NFL draft decision sometime after the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl vs. Penn State.
Byers joked that if Sanchez leaves, “I’m going to kick his butt.” Byers then got serious.
“He’s got to do what’s best for him,” Byers said. “And hopefully what’s best for him is what’s best for the Trojans.”
After discussing his decision at length with his coaches and parents, Byers decided it was in his best interest to stay in school for another season.
He missed all but one game in 2005 and ’06 because of injuries and a large chunk of training camp this season because of an illness.
Returning also will give him a chance to finish his master’s degree in business.
“I love this place,” Byers said. “Coming back gives me an opportunity to do a lot of things that I set out to do. It’s a great opportunity to come back and develop my football skills and play for another winning football team.”
Byers also would like to add 10-15 pounds to boost his NFL stock.
He has been playing in the 285-290 range.
The only offensive starter who’s leaving for sure is senior receiver Patrick Turner.
