Fortunately for Mark Sanchez, he played college ball for Southern Cal, a team that gets more attention than professional squads in some states.
If he hadn't, he might be a little rattled by the prospect of taking the field for the Jets in 2009.
During last Thursday's annual Green and White Game, the sight of 6,100 fans was a welcome one for the rookie. The fans didn't intimidate him; they reminded him why football is so much fun.
"Just like a game day," he told the New York Daily News.
Sanchez shared snaps with Kellen Clemens and finished 9-for-17 with 70 yards, impressing coaches with his no-huddle offense.
"I'm not a quarterback expert, but when guys were open, he was putting the ball on the mark and [his drops] would have been first downs, all of them," first-year head coach Rex Ryan told the Daily News. "He was impressive to me. I keep talking about that deep sideline throw and the comeback [routes]. You have to be able to make that throw, and he does that consistently."
If his coach's praise is any indication, Sanchez seems to have a leg up in a much-documented quarterback battle with Clemens, who finished 5-for-7 with 26 yards.
In less than a week, the Jets will kick of the preseason against St. Louis. Is Sanchez ready for it?
Of course. It'll be just like USC. Maybe even better — especially if he gets the starting nod.
