New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez returned to his old stomping grounds Thursday to speak with former teammates and other players at USC's spring practice.
The *Los Angeles Times* reported that USC coach Lane Kiffin asked Sanchez to address the team, and he obliged, encouraging current Trojans players to graduate and cherish their days at the school.
Sanchez remarked that USC's earlier practice start of 7:25 a.m. wouldn't have been his preference when he endured the sessions from 2006 to 2008.
"That's early," Sanchez told the Times. "I like to get a little lunch, maybe a nap, and then get to practice."
Sanchez spent time after practice in a throwing session with former Trojans receivers Keary Colbert, Patrick Turner and Damian Williams. The two-year pro took special interest in freshman quarterback Cody Kessler -- who wears No. 6 for the Trojans, the same number Sanchez donned at USC and now with the Jets.
"He pointed at me and he's like, 'Hey, wear my number proud,'" Kessler said.
Sanchez, who has led the Jets to two consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances, threw for 3,291 yards last season, with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
