Leinart's Broadway audition
QB readies a Namath sequel plot
By RICH CIMINI
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Matt Leinart throws around idea he could be next Joe Namath if Jets take him.
LOS ANGELES - In three seasons as USC's quarterback, Matt Leinart went 37-2, played in three national championship games and won the Heisman Trophy. Despite his to-die-for resume, he felt he had something to prove to NFL scouts yesterday at the school's "Pro Day" - a Hollywood production so grandiose that it would've made Cecil B. DeMille blush.
After four hours under the hot sun, not to mention the white-hot glare from prospective employers (including the Jets), Leinart seemed confident he had debunked the notion that he's a touch-and-timing passer with limited mobility.
Though no one appeared blown away by his throwing performance, Leinart did receive favorable reviews from coaches and GMs. More than 200 NFL types were in attendance, including two members of the Jets' personnel department, former GM Terry Bradway and JoJo Wooden.
That the new head honchos, GM Mike Tannenbaum and coach Eric Mangini, didn't attend the workout might seem revealing, but know this: An entire Jets entourage, including the bosses, will be in Los Angeles on April 17 to huddle with Leinart, the Daily News learned. That session will include a workout and a skull session in the classroom.
The Jets, picking fourth in the April 29 draft, could be in position to select the former Southern Cal star. And that would be just fine with Leinart.
"I love New York, I'm a fan of the city," Leinart told The News an hour after his workout, relaxing with friends at a burger joint a few blocks from campus. "It's out of my hands, but to have the possibility of playing for the New York Jets, it would be sweet. It would be cool.
"Broadway Joe (Namath) is the last big-time guy they've had, a star on and off the field," he continued. "I'm confident that I could be that kind of player."
The Jets' long-term future at quarterback is uncertain, with Chad Pennington coming off shoulder surgery and recently acquired Patrick Ramsey having only one year left on his contract. A player of Leinart's magnitude would give the organization a much-needed jolt of electricity, but some people familiar with the team's thinking are skeptical of the Jets' interest in Leinart.
Bradway, under the gag order by his new bosses, declined to comment on Leinart's workout. For what it's worth, the buzz at the workout had the Jets picking Virginia tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson or North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams. Obviously, there's some interest in Leinart. Why else would they travel cross-country in two weeks to meet with him?
According to coaches and GMs, Leinart solidified his spot yesterday as one of the top prospects. One of 19 USC prospects at the Pro Day, a carnival-like setting with 2,000 fans screaming as players performed various drills at the track-and-field stadium, he gave the faithful one last thrill at USC.
In the passing portion of the workout - throwing to a receiver with no defenders - Leinart completed 35 of 46. There were three drops and two other incompletions caused by miscommunications with the receivers. Leinart had a patchwork receiving corps that included former Jet Curtis Conway, an ex-Trojan.
"He didn't do anything today that surprised me, because I think he's one of the top picks in the draft," Texans GM Charlie Casserly said. "He can make all the throws, no problem at all. Don't worry, he can throw it into the left corner at the Meadowlands, where the wind is."
In his workout, Leinart had four completions of 31 yards or longer. He showed nice accuracy on sideline routes in the 20-to-30-yard range. On the downside, some of his long balls floated and he threw a fraction too late on some of his short and intermediate passes.
"Arm strength isn't a problem; he had one 65 yards in the air to Reggie Bush," said Titans coach Jeff Fisher, who could take Leinart with the third selection. "What got him to this point was accuracy and anticipation." Leinart has a private workout with the Titans today.
Leinart, 6-5, 224 pounds, proved that his athleticism is underrated. He recorded a 37-inch vertical jump, impressive for a quarterback. He also showed good movement skills in the pocket, throwing on the run. "I feel good about (the workout)," Leinart said. "I feel like I answered any questions they might have. I showed them my arm strength and that I'm more athletic than they've seen on film."
