STOP AND GO ROUTE JARRETT DECIDES TO LEAVE FOR NFL, BUT CARROLL IS STAYING.Byline: MATTHEW KREDELL Staff Writer It was an emotional day at USC An abbreviation for U.S. Code. , with one key figure in the football team's resurgence announcing he was leaving for the NFL NFL abbr. National Football League NFL (US) n abbr (= National Football League) → Fußball-Nationalliga and another renewing his commitment to the Trojans. Coach Pete Carroll Peter C. Carroll (born September 15, 1951, in San Francisco, California) is the current head coach of the University of Southern California Trojans football team, having held that position since 2001. watched from the back of the room as wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett Dwayne Jarrett (born September 11, 1986 in New Brunswick, New Jersey) is an American football wide receiver in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers. Early years Jarrett attended New Brunswick High School in New Brunswick, New Jersey. broke down in tears while talking about the teammates he was leaving behind in his decision to declare for the NFL draft The NFL Draft (officially the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting[1]) is an annual sports draft in which National Football League (NFL) teams take turns, through seven rounds[2] . Then Carroll closed the loophole he had left open Tuesday, saying that he would not be leaving USC for the Miami Dolphins, not even if offered full control over personnel decisions and $6 million a year. ``I thought about it,'' Carroll said. ``I love this football team. I love these players and what we've done, and I love the group of kids we have coming in this recruiting class. I don't want to miss it. I don't want to miss this. We've got a lot of good stuff ahead of us, a lot of great fun times, and it's too important to be involved with that. I can't leave it.'' Carroll interviewed with Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga Harry Wayne Huizenga (born on December 29, 1937 in Evergreen Park, Illinois) is an American businessman who has built several companies into multi-billion dollar enterprises, mostly through an aggressive process of acquisitions. while on vacation in Costa Rica Costa Rica (kŏs`tə rē`kə), officially Republic of Costa Rica, republic (2005 est. pop. 4,016,000), 19,575 sq mi (50,700 sq km), Central America. on Sunday. The position had everything he had always talked about for his ideal NFL job, the sort of opportunity that might be able to sway him from coaching the Trojans. Carroll has said he is only interested in a coaching opportunity that offers full control, and that Huizenga agreed with that philosophy. Carroll said it was a compelling discussion, though he never was formally offered the job. The process tested Carroll's desire to remain at the college level. If he is ever to return to the NFL, where he had a rocky four years coaching the New England Patriots  Editing of this page by unregistered or newly registered users is currently disabled until (UTC) due to vandalism. and New York Jets ``It strengthened my commitment to USC,'' Carroll said. ``Knowing that opportunity does exist. It's out there and, after going through it, I'm not going to do it. ... It cleared my mind.'' Carroll will have to lead USC without its most dynamic player. With his mother Camille by his side, Jarrett -- USC's all-time leader in catches (216) and receiving touchdowns (41) -- made the expected announcement that he would forego his senior season for the NFL. ``The biggest factor is the challenge,'' Jarrett said. ``Coach Carroll always talks about competing, that's our motto here, to come to USC and compete every day. I think having that mentality, taking it with me to the next level, is going to help me in the NFL.'' Jarrett is etched in Trojans lore for his involvement in one of the most famous plays in USC history, his catch-and-run of 61 yards on fourth-and-9 to set up the winning touchdown against Notre Dame Notre Dame IPA: [nɔtʁ dam] is French for Our Lady, referring to the Virgin Mary. In the United States of America, Notre Dame in 2005. Jarrett, who is from New Jersey, took over from Mike Williams Mike Williams may refer to:
``Everything from Day One when I got here, from the homesickness to everyone that supported me -- it was a full family effort,'' Jarrett said. ``Everyone was trying to make me feel comfortable here, and they did a great job. They knew the player I could be, and I'm grateful.'' Jarrett later broke down crying and had to back away from the podium, where he received a hug from his mother before continuing. ``My teammates, I love those guys,'' Jarrett said. ``It's hard, but I got to do what's best for me and my family.'' Jarrett said he has yet to hire an agent. He is projected as a first-round pick in the draft, which is in April. ``We really feel confident in that (he will go in the first round),'' Carroll said. ``All the information has told us that. It's really about how high in the first round.'' Also: Running back Chauncey Washington Chauncey Washington (born April 29, 1985) is a college football running back attending the University of Southern California (USC). High school career Washington had a heralded career as an athlete at South Torrance High School. has decided to stay for his senior year, according to Carroll. Linebacker Keith Rivers will make an announcement today. Sources say he is expected to remain in school. Freshman running back Stafon Johnson had surgery to tighten a previously dislocated shoulder. matthew.kredell@dailynews.com (818) 713-3607 CAPTION(S): 3 photos Photo: (1 -- color) Dwayne Jarrett, left, wipes away tears as his mother Camille stands by during a news conference in which the USC receiver announced he will enter the NFL draft. (2) USC coach Pete Carroll talks to the media after a news conference at which Dwayne Jarrett announced he's turning pro. (3) no caption (Pete Carroll) John Lazar/Staff Photographer |
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