Trojans cash-in on NFL draft day with decision to stay in school

How much is a final year of college worth? For USC nose tackle Sedrick Ellis, linebacker Keith Rivers, offensive tackle Sam Baker and defensive end Lawrence Jackson, all of whom were selected in the first round of the NFL draft Saturday, it could amount to more than $43 million. That's about how much guaranteed money the players taken in the same slots in 2007 were collectively assured when they signed contracts last year. On a day when a school-record seven USC players were chosen in the first two rounds, the four Trojans who passed up the chance to turn pro after their junior seasons hit the first-round jackpot. more...