Trojans call upon Booty

LOS ANGELES – John David Booty arrived at Southern California three years ago with expectations so high many thought he would beat out Matt Leinart during the 2003 season.

Of course, no one knew at the time that Leinart would lead the Trojans to a 37-2 record and win a Heisman Trophy during one of the finest careers for a quarterback in NCAA history.

Now, finally, it’s Booty’s turn, and he’s confident he can continue the tradition of winning quarterbacks established at Southern California by Leinart and 2002 Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer.

“The guys before me have set high standards. That’s what I want to do, by winning games,” said Booty, a 21-year-old redshirt junior from Shreveport, La.

Booty didn’t say a word about the Heisman or any individual awards – just winning.

“As a young quarterback, my biggest goal is to have our football team win, not put it in bad situations,” he said. “All I can control is what I do.”

Booty comes from a football family. His brother Josh was the LSU quarterback in 1999-00, and another brother, Abram, was a wide receiver at LSU from 1997-99 and at Valdosta State in 2000.

Booty’s father was his quarterbacks coach in high school before being fired following his junior year. With that, Booty decided to graduate early and pass up his senior year to enroll at USC.

Booty beat out highly regarded redshirt freshman Mark Sanchez for the starting job. In a show of approval, teammates elected Booty as one of the Trojans’ four team captains.

He’ll get his first test Sept. 2 when USC, ranked sixth in the Associated Press preseason poll, plays its opener at Arkansas.

“I’m not worried about these guys at all,” USC coach Pete Carroll said of his young quarterbacks. “Matt followed Carson and was able to get it going. It took Matt about four or five games before he got it rocking.”

Booty saw limited action as Leinart’s backup last season, completing 27 of 42 passes for 327 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions.