Best college football quarterback born in every state
By Roje Smith
California: Matt Leinart – USC Trojans
California is a factory when it comes to producing great college football players, and the quarterback position is no exception. Signal callers such as Troy Aikman, David Carr, Ken Dorsey, Carson Palmer, Jim Plunkett and Gino Torretta were all born in the Golden State. However, none of them experienced the same kind of success as USC legend, Matt Leinart.
In his three years as the starting quarterback for the Trojans, from 2003 to 2005, Leinart reached heights most can only dream of. In 2003, he led USC to an 11-1 record and the top ranking in the AP and coaches’ polls. The BCS system, however, ranked USC third, leaving the Trojans out of the National Championship game. Leinart led the Trojans to a Rose Bowl victory against Michigan that season and the AP National Championship. He also finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
In 2004, Leinart led the Trojans to a 12-0 record and the BCS National Championship game against Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. In what should have been a competitive game, USC destroyed the Sooners by a score of 55-19 and Leinart was named Orange Bowl MVP. Prior to the game, he became the sixth USC player to win the Heisman Trophy.
In 2005, Leinart led USC to another 12-0 record and a second straight BCS title game, where they faced the Texas Longhorns. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting behind teammate Reggie Bush and Texas quarterback Vince Young. Despite an outstanding performance, Leinart was outdone by Young in a close 41-38 loss. It marked only the second loss Leinart suffered in his college career. His overall record was 37-2.
Leinart finished his collegiate career as USC’s all-time leader in touchdown passes and completion percentage. He also ranks second behind Carson Palmer in completions and passing yardage. If there has been a better California-born college quarterback, we’ve never heard of him.