Cody Kessler knows a good thing when he sees it. That's why Southern Cal's quarterback decided to remain with the Trojans and not enter the NFL Draft.
Kessler announced his decision Saturday after USC's 45-42 victory over Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl. He will return for a senior season with a team that has national title aspirations (what Trojans team doesn'?). It doesn't hurt that Kessler is among players drawing early Heisman Trophy attention.
MORE: 7 TD game | Hail Mary heroics | Big game potential | Heisman Trophy watch | Take the quiz
He had signaled his intention to stay at Southern Cal in a November radio interview.
"We have a lot of underclassmen that are really athletic and have been playing together for a long time, and have really gotten to know each other," Kessler told KFWB-AM, a/k/a The Beast 980. "My goal right now is to make sure everybody comes back next year. That's where my mind is at right now. I want to make sure everybody comes back so we can be successful."
Saturday, Kessler confirmed his plan.
USC fans should be giddy. Their team finished 9-4, and Kessler threw for 3,826 yards and 39 touchdowns with five interceptions. His TD total matches Matt Barkley's school record.
In possibly the best game so far in bowl season, Kessler was 23-of-39 for 321 yards, with three TD passes. He threw one interception.
Coach Steve Sarkisian has solid talent but awaits decisions by running back Javorius Allen and wideout Nelson Agholor on whether they will enter the draft. Wideout JuJu Smith is among Trojans returning in '15.
Agholor would be most beneficial next season. He became the fourth USC receiver with 100-plus catches in a season. His 104 receptions top Keyshawn Johnson's 102 in 1995, but train Robert Woods (111 in 2011) and Marqise Lee (118 in 2012).
The key for USC next season: improvement on defense. Lineman Leonard Williams is headed for the NFL, and Sarkisian must strength a unit weakened by fallout from the Reggie Bush suspension recruiting limitations.
MOCK DRAFT: Williams projected as No. 1 overall pick |
As for Kessler, ESPN sees him "among the best in the nation in accuracy, poise in the pocket and efficiency." His Saturday display was testimony to his ability. Now, he has 2015 to show the nation — and NFL scouts — just how good he can be.