Five Good Questions with . . . Sam Farmer of The Los Angeles Times about Dwayne Jarrett and USC

Today's segment of "Five Good Questions" is with Sam Farmer of The Los Angeles Times....Sam is the NFL beat for The Times and provided some feedback about Southern Cal wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett and other USC players who are preparing for this year's NFL Draft....

Q1. Many draft publications have Dwayne Jarrett being drafted in the mid-to-late teens. Do you think he is sorry he did not stay for his senior year to try and be a top 10 pick?
No, I think he's happy to be coming out this season, even though this is an especially strong draft class for receivers. There's certainly no guarantee that another year will bump up his stock. As always, players also have to weigh the risk of injury, a deep class, and/or an unspectacular senior season.

Q2. Character and off-the-field activities are a hot topic in the NFL these days. Do you think Jarrett may have raised some team's concerns after showboating a bit in the Rose Bowl?
No. I think some NFL teams might roll their eyes at showboating, but I don't think it would dissuade a team from taking a guy. Real off-the-field issues are a different story, of course. I talked to several NFL scouts about Jarrett immediately after the Rose Bowl, and they said he did nothing but bolster his value. He had 11 catches for a career-best 205 yards and two touchdowns and was chosen offensive player of the game.

Afterwards, I caught Leon Hall, the outstanding Michigan corner on the way to the bus. He told me: "He's pretty much Dwayne Jarrett, as advertised. I knew he was good before this game, but after today? Definitely."

If Jarrett made a big error this offseason, it was his decision not to work out at the combine. That was a mistake -- and one that could cost him.

Q3. Outside linebacker Dallas Sartz is projected to be a 5th or 6th round pick. Do you think Sartz could be a "sleeper" pick and make an impact in the NFL?
By all accounts, Dallas is a good kid with his head on straight. That could help him make a roster. I don't think he'll be more than a special-teams player.

Q4. Some publications have wide receiver Steve Smith to be selected late in the first round while others have him going in the third round. Where do you see him going and why?
I think he's a second-round pick in the Keary Colbert mold. He runs crisp, precise routes and he's sneaky fast. I can see him being a No. 2 receiver within three years.

Q5. Besides USC players, are there any other PAC-10 players who are "sleepers" in this year's draft who may have an impact in the NFL?
I like Cal RB Marshawn Lynch, ASU tight end Zach Miller, UCLA kicker Justin Medlock, Stanford ILB Michael Okwo, Arizona S Michael Johnson, and one more USC player - C Ryan Kalil

I want to thank Sam Farmer for taking the time to respond.....it is much appreciated!!!....tomorrow we will hear from Mark Curnutte from The Cincinnati Enquirer about the Cincinnati Bengals....