Sanchez Out, Hawkinson In

Mark Sanchez made his own call, and it wasn't a big hit with coach Pete Carroll.

Coming off a record-setting Rose Bowl, the Southern California quarterback will skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft -- going against the advice of Carroll.

Sanchez, a fourth-year junior, announced his plans at a campus news conference Thursday, the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft. The past three stars who played quarterback at USC under Carroll stayed for their senior seasons, and the former NFL coach thought Sanchez should do the same.

"I'm just glad Henry Hawkinson will be ready to step in," said Carroll after the press conference, "here's a young man who, at ten months, is poised to take over where Mark left off."

A few things have to happen for Carroll's dream to become a reality. Hawkinson is not yet potty trained, and has to quickly complete thirteen years of course work before he can get his high school diploma.

"Im not concerned," beamed Carroll, "his transition to solid foods was smooth, and I believe that sort of fortitude will help him learn the USC offense."

Hawkinson can throw the ball about two feet in the air, and it usually lands in the exact opposite direction in which it is aimed. His father, a one-time Division III starting quarterback (career record 2-7, 12 TDs, 20 INTs) is also anticipating the transition.

"He really likes the school's colors, and can almost say Hut Hut Hike. It sounds like, AH-BA AH-BA....BA"

The Hawkinsons plan to hold a press conference in late March.