John David Booty carved a significant place in USC Trojans football history as a skilled and accomplished quarterback. His career at USC is marked by impressive statistics, leadership, and consistent performance, cementing his position among the program’s all-time greats. This in-depth look explores Booty’s journey with the Trojans, highlighting his key achievements, records, and the legacy he left behind.
Stellar Career Stats and USC Rankings
Booty’s career statistics at USC speak volumes about his impact on the program. He ranks high in numerous all-time USC passing records, showcasing his consistent contributions over his years with the Trojans:
- 5th in Career Completions: With 518 career completions, Booty stands fifth in USC’s history, demonstrating his ability to consistently deliver accurate passes.
- 5th in Career Passing Yards: His 6,125 career passing yards also place him fifth on USC’s all-time list, highlighting his capacity for significant yardage gains through the air.
- 6th in Career Total Offense: Booty amassed 5,945 yards of total offense, ranking sixth at USC and reflecting his overall contribution to the team’s offensive output.
- 4th in Career Touchdown Passes: Throwing 55 career touchdown passes, Booty is fourth in USC history, underscoring his talent for finding the end zone.
Throughout his USC career, Booty demonstrated remarkable consistency. He threw at least one touchdown pass in 22 out of his 23 starts, and multiple touchdowns in 16 games. He also achieved 200-plus passing yards in 18 games, exceeding 300 yards on four occasions. As a starter, Booty boasted an impressive 20-3 record. Against AP-ranked opponents, his record was a perfect 9-0, completing 63.4% of his passes for 2,267 yards and 23 touchdowns with only 4 interceptions, further solidifying his reputation for performing under pressure.
2007 Season: Senior Leadership and Rose Bowl MVP
In his senior year of 2007, John David Booty returned as USC’s starting quarterback, building upon a successful 2006 season. Despite missing three games due to a finger injury, Booty completed 215 of 340 passes for 2,361 yards and 23 touchdowns. He earned Phil Steele’s All-Pac-10 honorable mention and was recognized as a USC team captain for the second time, a rare honor. Booty’s senior season culminated in being named the Rose Bowl Offensive MVP after a stellar performance against Illinois, where he set a Rose Bowl record for career touchdown passes.
Despite the finger injury sustained mid-season, Booty showcased resilience and skill upon his return. Notably, he achieved a streak of 91 pass attempts without an interception before one game against UCLA. His performance highlights from the 2007 season include:
- Idaho: 21-of-32 for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Washington State: A career-best completion rate, going 29-of-36 for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns.
- Stanford: 364 passing yards and 2 touchdowns while playing with a broken finger.
- Arizona State: 375 passing yards and 4 touchdowns, alongside a rushing touchdown.
- Rose Bowl vs. Illinois: 25-of-37 for 255 yards and 3 touchdowns, earning MVP honors.
2006 Season: Breakout Junior Year and All-Pac-10 Honors
2006 marked Booty’s first season as the starting quarterback for the USC Trojans, and he made an immediate impact. Overcoming a back injury from spring practice, he started all 13 games and delivered an exceptional performance. Booty completed 269 of 436 passes for 3,347 yards and 29 touchdowns. His outstanding season earned him numerous accolades, including First Team All-Pac-10 honors from multiple sources and recognition as a finalist or semifinalist for prestigious national awards like the Manning Award and Maxwell Award.
Booty’s 2006 season was record-setting in its own right, placing him among USC’s single-season bests:
- 4th for Season Completions: His 269 completions tied for fourth in USC season history.
- 5th for Season Passing Yards: His 3,347 passing yards ranked fifth in USC season history, joining a select group of Trojans quarterbacks to surpass 3,000 yards in a season.
- 5th for Season Total Offense: 3,294 yards of total offense placed him fifth for a USC season.
- 4th for Season Touchdown Passes: 29 touchdown passes also tied for fourth in USC season records.
Key games from his 2006 season further illustrate his talent and impact:
- At Arkansas: In his debut as a starter, he threw for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- At Oregon State: A career-high 406 passing yards, the fifth-most in USC history.
- Vs. Michigan (Rose Bowl): 391 passing yards and 4 touchdowns, tying a Rose Bowl record.
2005 & 2003 Seasons: Backup Role and Early Experience
In 2005, Booty served as USC’s No. 2 quarterback, gaining valuable experience in 10 games. He completed 27 of 42 passes for 327 yards and 3 touchdowns, including his first career touchdown pass. Earlier, as a freshman in 2003, Booty emerged as the backup quarterback, playing in 5 games and completing 7 of 14 passes for 90 yards. These early seasons provided a foundation for his later success, allowing him to learn and develop within the USC program.
High School Career: Louisiana Football Star
Before arriving at USC, John David Booty established himself as a football star at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana. He led his team to consecutive Class 5A state titles in 2001 and 2002. His junior season saw him throw for an impressive 4,144 yards and 38 touchdowns, while as a sophomore, he passed for 4,330 yards and 50 touchdowns. Booty earned Underclass All-American and All-State honors in both years, showcasing his exceptional talent even in high school. By the end of his high school career, he had amassed 8,474 passing yards and 88 touchdowns, marking him as a highly sought-after college prospect.
Family Football Legacy and Personal Insights
Football runs deep in the Booty family. His father, Johnny, played quarterback at multiple universities and coached at Evangel Christian. His brothers also have strong football backgrounds: Josh Booty played quarterback at LSU and in the NFL after a professional baseball career, and Abram Booty was a wide receiver at LSU and Valdosta State.
John David Booty’s reflections on his career and the game reveal his mindset and approach:
- On following Heisman winners: Booty acknowledged the high standards at USC, embracing the challenge of following in the footsteps of Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart.
- On his objective: His primary goal was team success and winning games, emphasizing his role in leading the team effectively.
- On handling criticism: Booty developed a “tough skin,” understanding that criticism is inherent in the quarterback position.
- On learning from Matt Leinart: He recognized the value of learning from Leinart and being prepared for his opportunity.
What Others Said About John David Booty
Testimonials from coaches and teammates underscore the respect and admiration for John David Booty’s abilities and character:
- Pete Carroll (USC Head Coach): Praised Booty’s accuracy, natural throwing ability, poise, and decision-making, stating there was “nothing we feel like we can’t do with John David that we did with Matt Leinart.”
- Steve Sarkisian (USC Offensive Coordinator): Compared Booty’s precision to Greg Maddux, highlighting his ability to place the ball accurately.
- Matt Leinart (Former USC Quarterback): Affirmed Booty’s talent and readiness, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the offense.
- Ryan Kalil (USC All-American Center): Noted Booty’s calmness and composure under pressure, emphasizing his steady demeanor.
- Steve Smith (Former USC All-American Wide Receiver): Described Booty as a “silent killer” who gets the job done effectively and exceeds expectations.
John David Booty’s USC career stands as a testament to his skill, leadership, and dedication. His statistical achievements, accolades, and the high regard of his coaches and teammates solidify his place as a memorable figure in USC Trojans football history.
