From LATimes.com:
Q: If you're consistent and Mark doesn't have a terrible spring, are you prepared for the fact that you may not win the job?
A: Mentally I am. Who knows? It's definitely something coming in a year ago that I accepted. I knew it was going to be a probability and so I prepared myself for that. In that case I'll be the backup and continue to get better. Not hope for the worst for Mark but definitely be ready if my opportunity comes up.
Q: Before you made your decision to come to USC, you cited Matt Cassel and said even USC's backups were successful. You said that if you came out here and did not end up starting it would still be worth it. Do you still feel that way?
A: I think it's set in on me a little more now how hard that is to do -- to be able to sit back for the three years I have left. But at the same time I'd definitely agree with that even more now than I did. I love the school, I've had a great time and I love the program and so I would definitely not have any problem sticking around and continuing to get better and wait for my shot.
Rest the rest here...
You can read Gary Klein's interview with Mark Sanchez yesterday here. I really like Mitch's humble approach to the QB "battle" between him and Mark. It's clear that he knows Mark has a considerable lead yet is ready to compete, but I like that he is also prepared to handle being a back-up if things don't work out. How many times have we seen a player so dead-set on being a starter, that they've fallen apart when things didn't work out as planned? There's Michael Coleman and Josh Tatum to name a few...
Mitch is a smart guy and isn't oblivious to the fact that Mark has been in the system far longer than he has, is a veteran in the eyes of the coaching staff, and has a stronger rapport with the players. Of course no lead on the depth chart is insurmountable, but that is one steep hill to climb for any player. I think often times, people misconstrue competition as being emotional and at arms, but sometimes, like in this case, it's about going your business on the field and knowing where you stand off of it. The worst thing Mitch can do is try to polarize himself and turn the QB battle into a personal thing. Mitch's time will come, he just needs to be ready at any moment, and it seems like at this point he's on the right track...
