USC Trojans

Throwback Thursday: QB Carson Palmer of Santa Margarita circa 1997

Published May. 19, 2016 4:12 p.m. ET

foxsports

Before he won the Heisman Trophy at USC in 2002, Carson Palmer was just the quarterback of Santa Margarita High School.

During his senior season in 1997, Palmer passed for 2,685 yards, 31 touchdowns and just four interceptions despite missing two games with a foot injury.

Behind Palmer, the Eagles went 14-0 and won their second consecutive CIF Division V title. During the win, Palmer threw for a school-record 419 yards and five scores, while adding another on the ground.

He ended his Santa Margarita tenure with 23 school records, 4,692 career passing yards and 55 touchdowns.

Palmer, entering his fourth season with the Arizona Cardinals, also had his No. 3 jersey retired at USC where he threw for 11,818 yards and 72 TDs from 1998-2002.