Ask any player who played for football for USC, it’s a wild, pressure cooker. You may have been “the man” in back in high school, but now you’re competing against four others who are just as talented. Fact is, back in the 2000s, if you started as USC’s quarterback, you’re entry in the NFL was all but solidified. Adding to that pressure back in the day, was a city without a professional team and alumni who were frothing at the mouth for a National Championship. Anything less and it’s a failed season.

The quarterback battle was ultra-intense, with as many as five top guns fighting for the starting job. As the competition continued, Coach Carroll widdled his attention down to three: junior Matt Cassel, another local star, sophomore Matt Leinart, and freshman Louisiana phenom, John David Booty. So, as the competition for the starting job went on, another for the coveted backup role was also happening. The media and especially alums were waiting with bated breath. Coach Pete Carrol eventually picked Matt Leinart to start.

Cassel was devastated. While carrying the clipboard for a second stint, Cassel watched Leinart win not one, but two national championships and receive the coveted Heisman. Admittedly, Cassel was happy for his good friend but still believed he had something to offer and, more importantly, had something to prove to himself.