Leinart is one of the elite performers in the collegiate ranks. He was the unquestioned leader of the most dominating team in the country and led the squad in its quest for a third consecutive national title. The left-handed quarterback recovered from left elbow surgery that forced him to miss 2005 spring drills. He also dealt well with the loss of his mentor, offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who left for the same position in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans.

Leinart was a standout prep quarterback at Mater Dei High School. He earned Parade, Super Prep, Prep Star, Student Sports Senior All-American, Prep Star Dream Team, Student Sports Top 100, Super Prep All-Far West, Prep Star All-Western Region Super 30, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first team, Las Vegas Sun Super 11 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 and Gatorade California Player of the Year honors in 2000.

He also garnered Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, All-CIF Southern Section first team, All-CIF Division I Co-Offensive MVP, Los Angeles Times All-Orange County Back of the Year, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Serra League accolades as a senior. He completed 192 of 309 passes (62.1 percent) for 2,870 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2000. Against national champion De La Salle High, he was 31-of-47 for 447 yards and four scores, leading his team to a 9-3 record in 2000.

As a 1999 junior, he was the All-Serra League Offensive MVP while completing 150 of 233 passes (64.4 percent) for 2,400 yards with 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Mater Dei was the CIF Division I co-champion in 1999. He sat out his 1998 sophomore season with a rotator cuff injury to his left (throwing) shoulder.

Leinart redshirted as a freshman in 2001 at Southern California. He appeared briefly in the Colorado, Oregon and UCLA games in 2002, but did not attempt a pass while being listed third on the depth chart behind Matt Cassell and Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer. Leinart won the starting job over Cassell by a slight edge in 2003. His passing efficiency, touchdown passes and won-lost record in 2003 was better than Carson Palmer's in '02.

Leinart completed 255 of 402 passes (63.4 percent) for 3,556 yards, 38 touchdowns and nine interceptions as a sophomore. He set a Pac-10 Conference record with 212 consecutive passes without an interception that year. His 164.5 passer efficiency rating was the best in school history and his 38 touchdowns not only set school and conference single-season records, but rank second in NCAA Division 1-A annals by a sophomore quarterback, one shy of the 39 by Marshall's Chad Pennington in 1999. His 3,494 yards in total offense rank second and his 255 completions rank third on USC's annual record charts.

Leinart was the Heisman Trophy winner and garnered consensus All-American honors for the second consecutive season. He ranked seventh in the nation with a 156.5 passer efficiency rating. Leinart threw for 3,322 yards on 269 of 412 attempts (65.3 percent) with 33 touchdowns and only six interceptions. His 3,278 yards in total offense rank fourth on the school's single-season record list.

Leinart won the 2005 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation's top senior quarterback (USC's third recipient, along with Rodney Peete and Carson Palmer). He won the 2005 Touchdown Club of Columbus' Quarterback of the Year Award and finished third in the 2005 Heisman Trophy voting.

He was a finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award and the Maxwell Award, and one of four finalists for the Cingular-ABC Sports All-American Player of the Year Award. He was also a finalist for the Walter Camp Award and Manning Award. Leinart was named a 2005 Football Coaches and Walter Camp All-American first-team pick, adding second-team honors from the Associated Press and College Football News.

Only the second quarterback to ever earn All-Pac 10 Conference first-team honors three times in a career, Leinart completed 283 of 431 passes (65.7 percent) for 3,815 yards and 28 touchdowns with only eight interceptions as a senior. He also ran for 36 yards on 51 carries (0.7 avg) with six scores.

Southern California was 37-2 when Leinart started (his 94.9 percent winning percentage is the highest of any USC quarterback ever and is the second-best mark in NCAA history, minimum 25 starts, behind Toledo's Chuck Ealey, who was 35-0). He was just the third quarterback in the last 30 years to lead his team to back-to-back national championships.

In 42 games with the Trojans, Leinart started 39 times. He completed 807 of 1245 passes (64.8 percent) for 10,693 yards, 99 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. Leinart scored nine times on 132 carries and gained 10,623 yards in total offense with 108 total touchdowns.

He ranks second on the Trojan career total offense list behind Carson Palmer (11,621, 1998, 2000-02) and ranks fifth on the Pac-10 Conference all-time record chart. He joined Palmer (11,818) as the only USC passers to throw for over 10,000 yards in a career, a figure that ranks sixth in conference annals.

His pass completion percentage of 64.8 set a school all-time record and his career touchdown/interception ratio of 99/23 and interception percentage of 1.84 percent set an NCAA Division 1-A career record. He threw at least two touchdown passes in 34 games, with at least three scores in 20 of those contests and four touchdowns in ten games. He averaged a touchdown pass every 12.3 career attempts. His career passer efficiency mark of 159.7 is fifth on the NCAA list, one spot below USC quarterbacks coach Steve Sarkisian (who was at 162.0 at Brigham Young, 1995-96).

Positives: Has an athletic frame and while not overly muscled, he has good thigh and calf thickness, long arms, large hands and good mobility in the pocket … Has the foot work needed to get to his throwing point quickly … Has a compact release, keeping the ball high to unleash deep tosses with ease … Puts good velocity behind his tosses and is good at getting the ball over the outside shoulder of his target … Displays good touch and timing on his passes, showing good improvement in waiting for plays to develop rather than forcing the ball into a crowd in 2004 … Cool under pressure and has enough short area speed to step up to avoid the pass rush … Has good command on the field and in the huddle … His short touch allows him to hit his receivers in stride … Gets good trajectory and velocity behind his long throws … Makes good adjustment calls at the line of scrimmage and shows a good feel for the edge rush and inside blitzes … Does a good job of looking off his primary target to locate the secondary receivers … Has enough mobility to roll out in either direction … Runs with a normal stride, building to top speed on occasions when he runs with the ball … Has the leg strength to break tackles … Good decision maker who will absorb a few hits while waiting for his targets to get open.

Negatives: Further medical evaluation is needed on his left arm (elbow) … Has good short area mobility, but lacks the second gear needed to elude when running with the ball … Patient in the pocket, but is not a threat as a ball carrier … When he does roll out in the pocket, he needs to do a better job of protecting the ball … Will wave the ball around and does not secure it before trying to run up field, resulting in a few fumbles … Has functional arm strength, but will hang the ball up at times when trying to fire deep over the middle.

Leinart is a tall pocket passer with enough mobility to be effective throwing on the move. He has only adequate quickness, but shows fluidity when he does setup. He carries the ball numbers high and delivers it with good mechanics and release quickness. He squares his shoulders, gets his hips into it and throws off his front foot consistently.

Leinart finishes with a good follow through and the ball comes out tightly spiraled. He's accurate at all levels and made very good improvement in 2004 with his overall touch. He used to try to out-muscle a few throws and that would result in him missing some wide-open targets. He makes a lot of checks at the line, has good field vision and is patient going through his progressions.

Leinart reads defenses well and makes good decisions. He will lock onto his primary target some and needs to look off better at times, but made improvements in this area as a senior. He's tough hanging in the pocket and has a good feel for the rush. He has the mobility to avoid pressure and maintains zip and accuracy throwing on the move. He's an effective scrambler but isn't a real elusive threat running downfield.

Leinart shows the poise to rally his team from behind and makes a lot of big throws in the clutch. He's not a great athlete but does find a way to make things happen. Leinart took dancing classes during the 2005 offseason to improve his overall agility. He shows the foot quickness and balance to get into position in order to make the throw. He carries the ball chest high, demonstrating the quick release, arm strength and velocity to throw tight spirals on deep routes.

Leinart keeps his cool under pressure and is quick to locate his secondary targets. Leinart has improved his trajectory on his deep throws since the 2003 season and no longer forces his passes into traffic (see 2003 BYU and California games). Still, there are concerns about his left arm. He had rotator cuff surgery in high school, followed by 2005 offseason elbow surgery that sidelined him throughout 2005 spring drills.

Leinart has the talent to join Atlanta's Michael Vick (2001) and the L.A. Rams' Terry Baker (1963) as the only lefty QBs to be taken #1 overall in the draft. To date, Steve Young is the only left- handed quarterback to earn Hall of Fame status. While it is certain that Leinart will one day earn HOF honors at the college level, 2005 was a true test for him. He erased any lingering concerns about his left arm and proved that he was capable of continuing his success without mentor Norm Chow to guide him. Needless to say, he's the best passer the school has ever had, Carson Palmer included.

In 39 starts for the Trojans, Leinart has posted a 37-2 record. Only Toledo's Chuck Ealy (35-0, 100 percent) has a better winning percentage than Leinart's 94.8 percent among NCAA quarterbacks who started 25 games in a career … His 10,693 yards passing rank second in school history behind Carson Palmer (11,818, 1998-2002) … Joined Palmer, Steve Stenstrom of Stanford (10,911 from 1991-94) Cade McNown of UCLA (10,708 from 1995-98) and Cody Pickett of Washington (10,220 from 1999-2003) as the only passers in Pac-10 Conference history to throw for over 10,000 yards in a career … Leinart's 10,623 yards in total offense rank second in USC history behind Palmer (11,621) and rank third in Pac-10 annals behind Palmer and McNown (11,285) … Leinart's 99 touchdown passes broke the old school career record of 72 by Palmer and the all-time conference mark of 77 by Stanford's John Elway (1979-82) … His interception percentage of 1.84 is a school, conference and NCAA Division 1-A career record (minimum 1,050 pass attempts), topping the previous collegiate mark of 2.12 percent by Kliff Kingsbury of Texas Tech (1999-2002) … Only the third player in college football history to lead his team to back-to-back national championships … His career passer efficiency mark of 159.7 is fifth on the NCAA all-time record chart … Threw for at least 200 yards in 36 career games, a Pac-10 record.

All-American first-team choice by The NFL Draft Report, Football Writers Association and Walter Camp, earning second-team honors from the Associated Press and College Foot-ball News … All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice for the third-straight year, just the second quarterback to ever do so (along with UCLA's Gary Beban, 1965-67) … Won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation's top senior quarterback (USC's third recipient, along with Rodney Peete and Carson Palmer) … Recipient of the Touchdown Club of Columbus' Quarterback of the Year Award … Finished third in the 2005 Heiman Trophy

voting … Finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award, the Maxwell Award, the Cingular-ABC Sports All-America Player of the Year Award, Walter Camp Award and Manning Award … Named the 2005 Southern California Sportsman of the Year by the Los Angeles Sports Council … One of ten finalists for the 2005 Awards and Recognition Association Sportsmanship

Award … Named Sportsman of the Year by The Sporting News … Overall in 2005 while starting all 12 games, he completed 254-of-391 passes (65.0 percent) for 3,450 yards and 27 touchdowns with seven interceptions … Also ran for 34 yards on 45 carries (0.8 avg) with six scores … Gained 3,484 yards in total offense, an average of 290.3 yards per game …

His completions, passing yardage, passing efficiency rating and rushing touchdowns

in 2005 were better than his 2004 Heisman Trophy season (he also had 7 three-touchdown passing games and six 300-yard passing games this year) … Ranks seventh nationally in passing efficiency (158.3, second in Pac-10) and 15th in total offense (290.3, first in Pac-10) … In his last six games of 2005 (while never playing in the fourth quarter in the first three and only one series into the fourth quarter in the fourth and sixth contests), he completed 66.8 percent of his passes (129-of-193) for 1,493 yards, 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions. His 3,484 yards of total offense is third on USC's season list (10th on the Pac-10's season ladder) and his 254 completions is fifth on USC's season chart … Had minor outpatient surgery to address tendonitis in his left (throwing) elbow in late January of 2005, which sidelined him in 2005 spring practice.

Hawaii … In the equivalent of just two quarters of action at Hawaii, he completed 75.0 percent of his passes (18-of-24) for 332 yards with three touchdowns (he broke the USC career touchdown-pass record) … Led the Trojans to scores on its first two possessions of the second quarter?a 22-yard pass from Leinart Leinart to Dwayne Jarrett and a handoff that resulted in a 41-yard burst by tailback Reggie Bush … Early in the third quarter, a 28-yard scoring strike to Jarrett gave Leinart the USC career touchdown-pass record … Leinart also found a wide-open Steve Smith for a 67-yard score, as the offense generated 518 yards.

Arkansas … For the second week in a row, Leinart completed 18-of-24 passes (75.0 percent), this time for 381 yards (the second most in his career) and four touchdowns in less than three full quarters of action (he also scrambled for a 17-yard score) … Six of his completions were for 20 yards or longer … In a 70-17 win, it was Troy's most points scored since getting 70 at Washington State in 1970, its most in the Coliseum since getting 70 vs. California in 1930 and the most allowed by Arkansas since 1918 … USC piled up 736 yards of total offense, its most since at least 1972 and the most ever allowed by Arkansas, and averaged 11.0 yards per play despite holding the ball only 25:51 … The Trojans' 445 passing yards were 3 yards shy of the school record set in 2002 at Oregon … USC struck quickly and scored touchdowns on its first six possessions, including tallying 28 points while having the ball only 1:32 of the first quarter (gaining 246 yards on just 8 plays in that opening quarter) … Leinart hit a streaking Reggie Bush for a 29-yard touchdown … Two plays into each of Troy's next two drives, USC scored: first, Leinart and Dwayne Jarrett hooked up for a 24-yard touchdown, then Leinart scrambled for a 17-yard score.

Oregon … Hit 23-of-39 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns, including going 11-of-14 for 170 yards in the second half … Trailing 13-0 late in the first half, top-ranked USC exploded for 45 unanswered points to beat Oregon, 45-13 … First, tailback Reggie Bush caught a 19-yard touchdown from Leinart … USC then scored three more times in the third quarter?a pair of Leinart passes to Dwayne Jarrett (11 and 6 yards) sandwiching a 1-yard run by tailback LenDale White … USC piled up 593 total yards (including 278 rushing vs. an Oregon defense that was allowing only 81.0 on the ground) and 31 first downs on 81 plays in 32:40 of possession time, converting 10-of-14 third downs.

Arizona State … Despite being knocked woozy early in the game, Leinart connected on 23-of-39 passes for 258 yards, including going 13-of-16 for 145 yards in the second half … For the second week in a row, USC overcame a double-digit first half deficit … While Leinart did not throw for a touchdown, he did score on a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter to start a 21-point rally in a 38-28 triumph.

Arizona … Completed 26 of 40 passes for 360 yards and two touchdowns … USC rolled up 724 total yards (its second 700-yard outing of 2005) and had 39 first downs (its most since getting a Pac-10 record-tying 43 against Pomona in 1925) on 96 plays (twice as many as Arizona had and Troy's most since getting the same amount against Arizona State in 1988), but the Wildcats were within a touchdown early in the fourth quarter … All six of USC's scoring drives were at least 80 yards … USC took the lead for good late in the second quarter on Dwayne Jarrett's 22-yard touchdown reception of a pass from Leinart … Leinart hit Jarrett for a 29-yard score early in the fourth quarter, as the Trojans rushed for 346 yards (its second straight 300-yard showing), held the ball 37:00 and converted 10-of-14 third downs, but the Trojans had a pair of turnovers and allowed Arizona to return kickoffs an average of 31.8 yards.

Notre Dame … Leinart connected on 17-of-32 passes for 301 yards (with two interceptions) … Leinart brought the crowd to its feet with his 61-yard audible pass completion to Dwayne Jarrett on fourth-&-9 from the USC 26 that set up the QB's dramatic 1-yard twisting sneak for the game-winning touchdown with 3 seconds to play. Leinart drove USC 75 yards on the winning drive, including throwing a gutsy 61-yard pass to Jarrett from the Trojan 26. Four plays later, with the ball on the Irish 2, Leinart scrambled and tried to dive into the end zone near the left flag, but the ball was knocked loose and out of bounds at the 1. However, the scoreboard operator didn't stop the clock after the fumble went out of bounds and, when it hit 0:00, ND fans started to stream onto the field. But the officials huddled and put 7 seconds back on the clock. USC had no timeouts remaining, so

Leinart just followed the line's surge into the end zone.

Washington … Became the Pac-10 career leader in touchdown passes when he threw four scores while completing 20-of-26 passes for 201 yards in just three quarters of work … Three of Leinart's touchdown strikes went to receiver Dwayne Jarrett, good for 24, 7 & 7 yards … Also added an 8-yard touchdown toss to Steve Smith in the first quarter … USC scored on its first four possessions and was aided by some costly Husky mistakes that led to 17 Trojan first-half points … The first of Leinart's 7-yard scoring passes to Jarrett was set up following a fumble recovery by Trojan DE Frostee Rucker to culminate a 28-point Trojan blitz in 7:01 and just nine USC plays … The second 7-yasrd score came when Jarrett hauled down a one-handed 7-yard pass from Leinart late in the third quarter … USC had 390 total yards (a season low to date), but worked off a short field all game (its average field position was its own 45) … Troy also punted just once and converted 4-of-6 fourth downs.

Washington State … Hit on 24-of-34 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns in just three quarters of work, marking the Pac-10 record-tying 31st 200-yard passing outing of his career … USC compiled a season-high 745 yards of total offense (its most since at least

1972 and the most ever surrendered in Washington State history) while getting 40 first

downs (its most since getting a Pac-10 record-tying 43 against Pomona in 1925), as it converted 10-of-14 third downs and held the ball for 36:36 on 93 plays … It was USC's

most points against WSU since 1970 … Troy's 312 rushing yards and 433 passing yards

marked the first time ever that USC eclipsed the 300/400 marks in the same game …

After the teams exchanged touchdowns early in the first quarter (Leinart threw a 29-yard pass to Dwayne Jarrett, then WSU RB Jerome Harrison ran for a 13-yard TD), USC scored the next 41 points, with Leinart's 15-yard pass to Smith resulting in a touchdown and the duo connected again late in the opening quarter on a 24-yard scoring pass.

Stanford … Hit a season-best 78.6 percent of his passes (22-of 28) for 259 yards and four scores with no interceptions before coming out after USC's first series of the second half (he was 20-of-25 for 245 yards with the 4 TDs at halftime) to earn Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week honors … In a game that was decided by the end of the first quarter, Leinart threw four first-half touchdown passes USC overwhelmed Stanford, 51-21 … Not only was it USC's most points against the Cardinal since getting 54 in 1952 (and its most ever at home against Stanford), but it was a school-record fifth 50-point outing for the Trojans in 2005 … Tailback LenDale White caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Leinart in the first quarter, as Leinart hit Dwayne Jarrett with a 19-yard score, followed by a 19-yard touchdown to tight end Fred Davis and a 1-yard scoring lob to tight end Jimmy Miller during a 20-point second quarter … The offense finished with 745 yards.

California … At California, he went over the 3,000-yard passing mark for his third season in a row (a USC record and tying the Pac-10 mark), going 20-of-32 for 246 yards (he was 15-of-21 for 171 yards in the first half, including 9-of-11 in the first quarter after hitting his first 8 throws) … Leinart also ran for a career-high two scores, while the Trojan defense forced six turnovers … USC became the first school in NCAA history with a 3,000-yard passer (Leinart), a pair of 1,000-yard runners (Reggie Bush and LenDale White and a 1,000-yard receiver (Dwayne Jarrett) in the same season … IN the second quarter, Leinart ran for 6 & 3-yard touchdowns.

Fresno State … Completed 22-of-33 passes for 200 yards and a 6-yard touchdown to receiver Steve Smith … Leinart continued to show some surprising agility, running for a 1-yard score in the third quarter … USC piled up 508 total yards (including 308 on the ground) against a Bulldog defense that was nationally ranked in total yards (305.6), rushing yards (116.1) and points allowed (14.8).

UCLA … In the regular season finale, Leinart connected on 21-of-40 passes for 233 yards with three touchdowns in just over three quarters of work … Leinart got off to a slow start (0-of-5) because he was affected by the emotion of playing in his last game in the Coliseum (he settled down and was 13-of-20 for 165 yards in the second half) … He also caught an 11-yard pass … In the first quarter, Leinart connected with Dwayne Jarrett on an 8-yard scoring strike, adding touchdowns tosses of 15 yards to Fred Davis and 24 yards to LenDale White in the third quarter … USC's 66 points were the second most in the 75-game series (behind only the Trojans' 76 points in the 1929 series opener … Overall, USC had 679 yards of total offense, including 430 rushing (its most since getting 491 against Utah State in 1989 and its fifth time over 300 yards in 2005), and 35 first downs on 95 plays … The Trojans never punted, as they scored on 10 of their 15 possessions (with 7 scoring drives going at least 70 yards) … USC set the Pac-10 record for season touchdowns (82, breaking its 1929 mark) and total points (600).

Texas (Rose Bowl) … Closed out his career with 29 of 40 passes for 365 yards, an interception and a 22-yard touchdown to Dwayne Jarrett.

Won the 2004 Heisman Trophy, becoming the sixth Trojan to do so, along with Mike Garrett in 1965, O.J. Simpson in 1968, Charles White in 1979, Marcus Allen in 1981 and Carson Palmer in 2002 … Named Walter Camp Player of the Year, joining three other Trojans to have been so honored; Simpson in 1967 and 1968, White in 1979 and Allen in 1981) and was also selected Associated Press Player of the Year … Won the Touchdown Club of Columbus' 2004 Archie Griffin Award (nation's MVP) for the second year in a row and its Quarterback of the Year Award … Won the inaugural 2004 Manning Award (as the nation's best quarterback), the National Quarterback Club's College Quarterback of the Year, the Victor Award College Football Player of the Year and the Sporting News Radio Socrates Award … Named All-American first-team by The Poor Man's Guide to the NFL Draft, Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Walter Camp, ESPN, College Sports TV and Rivals.com, and to the second-team by Sports Illustrated and College Football News … Chosen Pac-10 Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year (along with teammate Reggie Bush), becoming just the fourth player to win that honor twice (and the second quarterback, along with Stanford's John Elway) … Finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award, Maxwell Award and Cingular Wireless/ABC Sports All-America Player of the Year Award … Named the ESPN and Rivals.com All-Pac-10 Conference Player of the Year … Was also selected USC's Player of the Game vs. Notre Dame and a team captain … Presented with the Chuck Benedict Founder's Award (for outstanding achievement) from the Southern California Sportscasters Association and was the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation Sportsman of the Year … Named a finalist for the Sullivan Award (given to the nation's top amateur athlete) … Added Sports Illustrated On Campus Athlete of the Year honors … Only the third quarterback to ever lead his team to consecutive national titles, Leinart had to work with a young receiving unit that was missing All-American Mike Williams for the 2004 campaign … Completed 269 of 412 passes (65.3 percent) for 3,332 yards, 33 touch-downs and only six interceptions … Also rushed for three scores on 49 carries … Ranked seventh nationally in passing efficiency (156.5, first in Pac-10) and 25th in total offense (252.2, third in Pac-10) … His 33 scoring passes were second on the USC single-season record list, his 269 completions were third, and his 3,322 passing yards and 3,278 yards of total offense were fourth … His 33 touchdown passes tied for third on the Pac-10 single-season record list) … .Had fewer interceptions, the same amount of touchdown passes, and a better completion percentage and passing rating-and led USC to more wins-than Carson Palmer did in his 2002 Heisman Trophy season … Against USC's four opponents in the final 2004 Associated Press rankings (Virginia Tech, California, Arizona State and Oklahoma), he threw for 992 yards and 14 touchdowns with only one interception … Accounted for 144 of the team's 150 first downs that were gained passing, adding eleven more first downs rushing … Helped the offense convert 79 of 182 third-down plays and 11 of 20 fourth down plays … Sacked 24 times for losses of 146 yards … Turned the ball over twice on four fumbles … Also recovered a pair of fumbles.

Virginia … Opened the season with 19 of 29 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns …

Breaking in a new group of starting wideouts, Leinart found few open targets in the first half, going 8-for-16 for 102 yards, as the Trojans' rebuilt offensive line was providing sketchy protection … Leinart looked to Reggie Bush, and the explosive sophomore came through when the Trojans looked as if they were in big trouble - trailing 10-7 late in the third quarter … Bush lined up as a wide receiver, blew by Virginia Tech's best cornerback, Jimmy Williams, and cradled in a perfect over-the-shoulder throw from Leinart for a 53-yard touchdown with 1:55 left in the third … Bush also opened the scoring by taking a middle screen 35 yards for a score in the first quarter … Leinart also came back to Bush in the fourth quarter, hitting him with a 29-yard scoring strike.

Colorado State … Followed with 231 yards and a pair of scores on 19 of 29 passes, but saw four of his throws dropped by his young receivers … Led an offense that converted 7-of-13 third down plays … Accounted for 13 of the team's 32 first downs via the air and had three more while gaining 46 yards on seven runs … Was not sacked, but did fumble twice, turning the ball over once … Also recovered one of his own fumbles while playing just over three quarters of action … His third quarter 4-yard scoring strike to Dwayne Jarrett was the 43rd touchdown pass thrown by Leinart in only fifteen career games and also had a 5-yard touchdown toss to Steve Smith earlier in the game.

Brigham Young … Completed 22 of 34 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns … Also ran for a score, as he converted 12 of 19 third-down plays and accounted for 15 of the team's 26 first downs … Was intercepted once and sacked twice for minus 17 yards … that pass theft snapped a string of 102 consecutive pass attempts without an interception … Ran for a 1-yard score in the fourth quarter, the first time he ran for a touchdown during his collegiate career … Leinart's first interception of the season and a missed field goal helped combine to hold the Trojans scoreless in the opening period for the first time since November 30, 2002 vs. Notre Dame … Leinart threw a 15-yard pass to Dwayne Jarrett, who leaped near the back of the end zone for the touchdown with 1:05 remaining in the half. The Trojans had other chances, including first-and-10 from the BYU 30 after Darnell Bing's interception - one of three for USC in the game - but didn't capitalize. The Cougars sacked Leinart, dropped tailback LenDale White for a loss of two and got another sack to knock USC out of field goal range … Also threw a 21-yard touchdown to Reggie Bush.

Stanford … Amassed 284 yards with a touchdown on 23 of 30 tries and also ran for a score … Converted 7-of-12 third-down plays and totaled 14 of the team's 23 first downs as the offense gained 383 yards … Had an interception and was sacked twice for minus 19 yards … Leinart was nearly flawless against Stanford, finally getting his offense going late in the third quarter on Steve Smith's 51-yard reception to the Stanford 12. Leinart scored on a 1-yard keeper, cutting the lead to four points … He added a 2-yard scoring strike to Smith and engineered a late fourth quarter drive that was capped by LenDale White's 2-yard touchdown run that gave the Trojans a 31-28 decision.

California … Leinart struggled against a strong Cal defense … He hit on 15 of 24 throws for 164 yards and two touchdowns in a tough 23-17 win, but was sacked four times for losses of 30 yards and threw one interception … His 134 yards in total offense was the lowest he ever gained in a game as a starter … Had a 5-yard scoring pass to LenDale White in the first quarter and sealed the win with a third quarter 16-yard touchdown pass to Dwayne Jarrett on a fourth down play, but the offense failed to generate a first down in the fourth quarter … Talking about the fourth down play after the game, Leinart said, "I was surprised the coaches called it. It was a deep in to Dwayne and he just went up and got it. He's matured so much and progressed so much, he had to step up and make plays in key situations and he did."

Arizona State … In just three quarters of action, Leinart threw four touchdowns on 13-of-24 passing for 224 yards with no interceptions … He also had a 1-yard sneak for a score to earn The Sporting News National Player of the Week honors … Leinart easily won his quarterback duel with ASU's Andrew Walter … In the first half, Leinart completed 11 of 16 passes for 193 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another score … He was sacked once for minus 10 yards and accounted for 9 of the team's 23 first downs … The Trojans blew the game open by scoring three touchdowns in the last 5:08 of the second quarter … Leinart's 1-yard sneak capped an 86-yard drive; Reggie Bush threw a 52-yard pass to Dwayne Jarrett, and Leinart threw a 34-yard score to Jarrett one play after Bush's 41-yard punt return … Earlier in the fourth quarter, Leinart found Bush with a 10-yard scoring pass and came back a few minutes later to hit LenDale White with a 9-yard touchdown toss.

Washington … Attempted a career-high 43 passes, completing 24 of them for 217 yards and two touchdowns … Accounted for 15 of the team's 28 first downs, converting 8 of 18 third-down plays … Was intercepted once and sacked three times for losses of 12 yards before leaving the game after the first series of the fourth quarter … Tossed a 15-yard touchdown to Reggie Bush in the second quarter and had a 29-yard scoring striker to Jason Mitchell in the third quarter as the offense amassed 453 yards.

Washington State … Gained 235 yards on 23 of 28 passes (82.1 percent) for 235 yards and a pair of touchdowns … Was sacked twice for minus 14 yards and converted 6-of-15 third-down plays … In the first half of action, Leinart was 18-of-21, 85.7 percent, for 203 yards and a score … Helped build a 42-0 lead before being replaced for part of the third quarter by backup Leinart Cassell. After Cassell miscues led to WSU scores, Leinart finished the game … Connected with Dwayne Jarrett on 4 & 42-yard touchdown tosses … Asked by reporters on why he re-entered the game, Leinart said, "There were a bunch of things going on; we can't afford to turn the ball over. Coach (Pete) Carroll just let me know that the next series after that fumble that I'd be going. Just hand the ball off, and try to establish a rhythm and get some first downs and use the clock."

Oregon State … Playing in a thick fog and 40-degree temperatures, Leinart gained 205 yards on 17 of 31 tosses with two touchdowns, but was also intercepted once … He also was sacked twice for losses of 6 yards, but accounted for nine of the team's 20 first downs while converting 6-of-17 third-down plays … After OSU put up two quick scores, Leinart narrowed it to 13-7 with a perfectly placed 18-yard touchdown pass to Dominique Byrd, who was well-covered by cornerback Brandon Browner … In the third quarter, Byrd ran a 25-yard scoring pass from Leinart into the end zone early in the third quarter and raised the ball to Southern Cal's fan section.

Arizona … Hit on 27 of 35 passes for 280 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions …

His 27 completions were a career-best … He hit 11 consecutive passes in the first half and was 12-of-14 for 273 yards in the second half, despite sitting out most of the fourth quarter … Leinart threw a 5-yard pass to David Kirtman on the first play of the second quarter to put USC ahead for good. The key play of the Trojans' 57-yard drive was a 10-yard pass from Leinart to Alex Holmes on fourth-and-3 from the Arizona 27 … Added second half touchdown tosses of 13 & 12 yards to Dwayne Jarrett.

Notre Dame … Against the Fighting Irish, Leinart equaled a USC and Notre Dame opponent single game record with five touchdown passes (the second time in his career that he has thrown that many) as he completed 24-of-34 aerials for a career-best 400 yards (the second most ever against the Irish) with no interceptions to earn both The Sporting News College Player of the Week and Cingular Wireless/ABC Sports All-America National Player of the Week honors … He made a strong pitch for the Heisman Trophy as Southern California overcame a sluggish start to move within one win of a perfect regular season …

His five scoring tosses equaled the school game-record that was first set by Rodney Peete vs. Stanford in 1987, Carson Palmer vs. Oregon in 2002 and by Leinart in the 2003 Oregon State clash (Leinart would again match that total vs. Oklahoma in the 2005 Orange Bowl) …

The win was USC's 20th straight and 21st in a row at the Los Angeles Coliseum - a new school record … The Trojans haven't lost at home since being beaten by Stanford 21-16 on Sept. 29, 2001 … It also marked the 22nd time in 24 starts that Leinart threw at least two touch-downs … Notre Dame had trouble moving the ball, and USC couldn't be stopped, scoring on six of its next seven possessions … The only time the Trojans didn't score during that time was late in the first half, when they ran out the clock … Leinart threw a 12-yard scoring pass to Dwayne Jarrett, capping an 80-yard, seven-play drive … The same combination clicked on a 57-yard play to finish a 73-yard, four-play march, putting USC ahead for good with 2:06 left before halftime … Leinart hit Reggie Bush with a 69-yard touchdown and found Steve Smith with a 35-yard scoring strike before he threw a 23-yard scoring pass to Jason Mitchell midway through the final period to complete the scoring one play after Notre Dame was called for pass interference on a fake punt … His 400 passing yards marked only the fifth time a Trojan passer has reached that plateau and is the second-most ever for a Trojan passer against Notre Dame (Carson Palmer had 425 in 2002) … The 400 passing yards is a career high and the fourth time he's had at least 300 yards. His previous high was 351 in 2003 against both Notre Dame and Washington (both on the road) … Talking to reporters after the game, Leinart said, "We knew it would be a dog fight from the get go. We just had to keep executing. We showed we could make some big plays, especially tonight with Reggie (Bush) and Dwayne (Jarrett). It took a bit to get going, especially against such a good defense. We just kept pounding and we knew things would open up eventually."

UCLA … Connected on 24 of 34 attempts for 242 yards, but did not throw a touchdown for the first time in his career as a starter … Was sacked three times for losses of 24 yards and also threw an interception … Accounted for 11 of the team's 19 first downs, but could only convert one of 13 third-down plays … Completed his first 10 passes of the game and was 15-of-17 for 103 yards in the first half.

Oklahoma (Orange Bowl) … Was named the Orange Bowl MVP and made the Sports Illustrated All-Bowl Team as he threw an Orange Bowl record (and USC record-tying) five touchdown passes while hitting 18-of-35 passes for 332 yards (he had 4 touchdowns and 243 yards in the first half) … By the fourth quarter, the big stadium was half-empty and the college football season ending with a dud, but that hardly Leinartered to Leinart Leinart and the Trojans, as they captured their second-straight national title with a 55-19 win … "I think we proved tonight that we are the No. 1 team in the country -- without a doubt," Leinart said. … "When Leinart's on fire, there's nothing the defense can do but sit back and pray," teammate Reggie Bush said … Leinart threw four touchdown passes in the first half, including three consecutive completions covering 54, 5 and 33 yards … "He won the Heisman Trophy, so we knew he was good coming in," Oklahoma cornerback Marcus Walker said. "But I didn't know he was that accurate." … The left-hander looked nothing like an overrated quarter-back for an average offense, as Sooners defensive end Larry Birdine had described him. "I did a little chatting during the game with him," Leinart said … Tight end Dominique Byrd scored on a twisting one-handed 33-yard grab, and one of Steve Smith's touchdown catches came as he fell at the back of the end zone for a 33-yard score (Smith also had a 5-yard TD in the second quarter and a 4-yard score in the third) … Leinart's other scoring strike came on a 54-yard bomb to Dwayne Jarrett … USC's 55 points ties its bowl record (55-14 against Texas Tech in the 1995 Cotton Bowl) and it's the most points scored by Troy since Sept. 13, 2003, against Hawaii (61) … USC set a school record by defeating an opponent by at least 30 points for the eighth time this season, breaking the old record of seven times set in 1929 … USC's 38 first-half points sets a school record for most points in a half in a postseason game. It breaks the school record set in the 1973 Rose Bowl when USC scored 35 points in the second half (USC defeated Ohio State 42-17) … With his first pass of the Orange Bowl (for 27 yards to Reggie Bush), Leinart Leinart, who started the game with 2,990 passing yards, became the first USC QB to pass for at least 3,000 yards in a season twice. He finished the 2004 season with 3,322 and had 3,556 in 2003. Only 2002 Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer (3,942 in 2002) and Rob Johnson (3,630 in 1993) have also done it (gain 3,000 yards passing) … Leinart's 54-yard TD pass to Dwayne Jarrett and his 50-yarder to Steve Smith was his fifth and sixth 50-yard-plus completions of the season … Leinart's 18 completions give him 269, surpassing his total of 255 in 2003 for the third most ever in a season at Troy. He now holds the third and fourth spots on the season completion list. Carson Palmer had 309 in 1993 and Rob Johnson had 308 in 1993 … He has 71 TD passes for his career, second only to Carson Palmer's 72 in a Trojan career … His 332 yards marked the fifth time in his career he's thrown for 300 or more yards in a game in his career and the second time in 2004.

College Football News All-American first-team, pick, adding second-team honors from The NFL Draft Report and Sports Illustrated … Named the Pac-10 Conference Offensive Player of the Year (only the second sophomore to win that honor, along with Stanford's John Elway in 1980) and made the All-Pac-10 first-team, as well as being selected the ESPN All-Pac-10 MVP and College Football News All-Pac-10 Player of the Year, Offensive MVP and first-team … One of ten semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien Award and he was sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting … Won the Touchdown Club of Columbus' Archie Griffin Award (nation's MVP) … USC's team MVP and won the USC Player of the Game Award vs. Notre Dame … After winning the starting job in a heated pre-season battle, Leinart went on to complete 255 of 402 passes (63.4 percent) for 3,556 yards, 38 touchdowns and only nine interceptions … Leinart's passing percentage, efficiency rating, TD passes, interceptions and won-loss record were better than Carson Palmer's 2002 Heisman Trophy numbers … Also caught a 15-yard pass for a touchdown … Ranked third nationally in passing efficiency (164.5, first in Pac-10) and 19th in total offense (268.8, second in Pac-10) … In his last nine games, he threw for 2,632 yards and 30 touchdowns with just three interceptions on 65.5 percent passing (182-of-278) … Threw at least two touchdowns in his last 12 games (included was a string of at least 3 TDs in the first five of those contests) … Set a Pac-10 season record with 212 consecutive passes without an interception-stretching over eight games-and fell just four passes short of the Pac-10 career record … His 164.5 passing efficiency rating was the best season in USC history … His 255 completions were third on the USC single-season record list … His 38 touchdown passes was a Pac-10 season record (and the second most by any sophomore in NCAA history) … His 3,494 yards of total offense was second on the USC single-season record chart, topped only by Carson Palmer's 3,820 in 2002 … Became the first USC sophomore to have back-to-back 300-yard passing games and he is the first USC sophomore to have thrown for 3,000 yards in a season … Sacked 15 times for losses of 82 yards … Fumbled five times, with the opposition recovering three of those miscues.

Auburn … In his first career start, he was an efficient 17-of-30 for 192 yards with a touch-down (on his first career pass), a 5-yarder to Mike Williams. After safety Darnell Bing had intercepted a Jason Campbell pass to set up the short scoring drive.

Brigham Young … Totaled 235 yards on 19 of 34 chances with three touchdowns, but was also intercepted three times and sacked four times for minus 22 yards … He lobbed 1 & 18-yard scoring passes to Mike Williams and Keary Colbert was on the receiving end of a 48-yard touchdown pass.

Hawaii … Bounced back with 220 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 15 of 21 throws in three quarters of action … Was sacked once for an 8-yard loss, but accounted for 12 of the team's 21 first downs with his pass completions … Threw second quarter touchdowns of 32 yards to Keary Colbert and 33 yards to Mike Williams.

California … Connected on 21 of 39 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns, but also had three interceptions and could only convert three of 12 third-down plays in a 34-31 loss … Luckily, none of his pass thefts resulted in Cal scoring drives … Had a 27-yard scoring pass to Dominique Byrd in the first quarter and a 10-yard touchdown to Keary Colbert in the second overtime period.

Arizona State … Completed 12 of 23 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns and an interception, despite missing most of the second quarter with a banged up knee and ankle (he played while hobbled during the second half) that he suffered when he was sacked for a 4-yard loss … Opened the game with a 57-yard scoring bomb to Keary Colbert and had a 33-yard scoring strike to fullback Brandon Hancock upon Leinart's return to action in the third quarter as the offense amassed 529 yards.

Stanford … Followed with 18 of 27 passes for 260 yards and touchdowns of 40, 18 and 3 yards to Mike Williams (all in the second quarter) before leaving the game in the third quarter … Converted 6 of 13 third-down plays, but also fumbled once.

Notre Dame … Threw for a then career-high 351 yards on 26 of 34 passes (76.5 percent) with four touchdowns … He hit on each of his first seven pass attempts and converted two of four fourth-down plays while totaling 16 first downs passing … Leinart was sacked three times for minus 6 yards and fumbled twice, with Notre Dame recovering one of those miscues … Had an 18-yard touchdown pass to Keary Colbert to start the game's scoring and ended that quarter with a 7-yard touchdown toss to Mike Williams … Leinart added a 3-yard scoring lob to halfback Hershel Dennis in the second quarter and a 7-yard touchdown to tight end Gregg Guenther in the third quarter.

Washington … For the second week in a row, he threw for 351 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, this time on 19-of-29 passing (65.5 percent) to earn Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week honors … He connected on scoring throws of 20 yards to Keary Colbert, 60 & 37 yards to Reggie Bush and 52 yards to Brandon Hancock.

Washington State … Followed with 17 of 31 passes for 191 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions … Was sacked once for minus 7 yards and converted five of 12 third-down plays … Steve Smith turned a short toss from Leinart into a 55-yard touchdown, followed by a 13-yard score to Mike Williams and a 13-yarder to Keary Colbert, despite facing a WSU defense that ranked fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense.

Arizona … Had four touchdowns while gaining 296 yards on 22 of 30 passes, despite being taken out midway through the third quarter while setting a USC season record for consecutive passes without an interception … Three of his scoring strikes were good for 22, 15 & 26 yards to Mike Williams … Leinart's other touchdown pass went 20 yards to Gregg Guenther … Leinart did turn the ball over once on a 3-yard sack, but helped the offense convert six of 13 third-down plays.

UCLA … Threw for 289 yards on 23 of 32 passes with two touchdowns while playing in the first three quarters … He accounted for 14 of the team's 23 first downs, but was also sacked once for a 10-yard loss … Lobbed 21 & 4-yard touchdowns to Mike Williams.

Oregon State … Finished the regular season with 22 of 38 passes for 278 yards and a school game record-tying five touchdowns … Was intercepted twice and sacked once for minus 6 yards, but accounted for 10 of the team's 17 first downs and converted 8 of 15 third-down plays … Went to his favorite target, Mike Williams, on 14 & 9-yard scoring tosses … Hit Reggie Bush with 3 & 30-yard touchdown passes and found Steve Smith with a 73-yard scoring bomb in the third quarter.

Michigan (Rose Bowl) … Earned Game MVP honors as he led the Trojans to a 28-14 win and the national championship … Completed 23 of 34 throws for 327 yards and three touch-downs and also caught a 15-yard pass for a score … Totaled 13 of the team's 19 first downs and converted 6 of 11 third-down plays … Turned the ball over when he fumbled after being sacked for an 11-yard loss … Began the game's scoring with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Keary Colbert in the first quarter and again found the receiver with a 47-yard third quarter scoring strike … Leinart threw a 6-yard touchdown to LenDale White in the second quarter and then Leinart caught a 15-yard touchdown thrown by receiver Mike Williams in the third quarter as USC held on for a 28-14 victory.

Leinart was USC's third-string quarterback as a redshirt freshman … Appeared briefly late in three games, taking two snaps at Colorado, directing three series at Oregon and taking a snap at UCLA, but didn't throw a pass … Also served as a backup holder on placekicks, but wasn't called on in that role.

Redshirted as a freshman quarterback … Spent the season as the co-backup to Carson Palmer, although he never got into a game.

1998: Sat out his high school sophomore year after undergoing left rotator cuff surgery in September.

2003: Left the Arizona State game in the second quarter with left knee and ankle sprains, but returned to the contest in the third quarter.

2005: Missed spring drills after undergoing left elbow arthroscopic surgery to address tendonitis.

Campus: Not available.

Attended Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Cal.) High School, playing football for coach Bruce Rollinson … Earned Parade, Super Prep, Prep Star, Student Sports Senior All-American, Prep Star Dream Team, Student Sports Top 100, Super Prep All-Far West, Prep Star All-Western Region Super 30, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first team, Las Vegas Sun Super 11 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 and Gatorade California Player of the Year honors in 2000 … Also garnered Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, All-CIF Southern Section first team, All-CIF Division I Co-Offensive MVP, Los Angeles Times All-Orange County Back of the Year, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Serra League accolades as a senior … Completed 192-of-309 passes (62.1 percent) for 2,870 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2000 … Against national champion De La Salle High, he was 31-of-47 for 447 yards and 4 scores, leading his team to a 9-3 record in 2000 … As a 1999 junior, he was the All-Serra League Offensive MVP while hitting 150 of 233 passes (64.4 percent) for 2,400 yards with 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions … Mater Dei was the CIF Division I co-champion in 1999 … Sat out his 1998 sophomore season with a rotator cuff injury to his left (throwing) shoulder.

Graduated in 2005 with a degree in Sociology … Was born with strabismus (cross-eyes), as his left eye was not aligned with his right (he underwent surgery when he was 3 years old and was fitted with glasses) … Born 5/11/83 … Resides in Santa Ana, California.