After serving a three-year apprenticeship to All-American (and Heisman Trophy winner) Matt Leinart, Booty stepped into the spotlight at USC in 2006 and delivered 3,347 yards passing, the fifth-best single-season mark in school history. His 29 touchdown passes tied for the third-most in school history, and he tossed only nine interceptions in 436 attempts.

With Booty under center, USC rolled to an 11–2 record and captured at least a share of the Pac-10 title for the fifth-consecutive season. He threw for 250-plus yards in seven games and completed better than 55 percent of his passes in all but one game.

Athlon's 2007 Heisman Watch

Despite his gaudy numbers, Booty received some flak from the Trojan faithful after USC’s damaging loss to rival UCLA in the regular-season finale. Booty did his part (23-of-39 for 274 yards), but the Trojans’ offense managed a meager nine points and was shut out in the second half. A win would have sent USC to Glendale, Ariz., to face Ohio State in the BCS National Championship Game; instead the Trojans had to ‘settle’ for a spot in the Rose Bowl.

USC Team Preview

It was in Pasadena, however, where Booty enjoyed his finest moment as a collegian. With some help from All-America receiver Dwayne Jarrett, Booty carved up the Michigan defense for 391 yards passing (27-of-45) and four touchdowns with no interceptions. This masterful performance left no doubt who would be quarterback at USC this fall and stamped Booty as one of the top Heisman Trophy candidates for the 2007 season.

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: It’s simple: Booty is the most visible player on the best team in America, the USC Trojans. He will put up huge numbers for a team that has a very good shot at winning the national championship, and he will be doing so at a school that has produced the Heisman Trophy winner in three of the past five seasons.

Why he’ll be left out: Booty no longer has his two favorite receiving weapons at his disposal. With Jarrett and Steve Smith — who combined for 141 catches, 2,098 yards and 21 TDs — now in the NFL, Booty and the Trojan offense will be leaning on a pair of first-time starters, junior Patrick Turner and sophomore Vidal Hazelton.

Final Analysis: Booty has everything going for him — he’s got the talent, he’ll have the numbers, and he plays for a national championship contender. He has to be on the very short list of Heisman contenders.
 
2006 Stat Line