True freshman to lead the Trojans – Matt Barkley named starter

Pete Carroll has rolled the dice on a true freshman to lead the Trojans this coming season as he has named Matt Barkley as his starter. This is quite monumental, and an obvious sign of this kid’s ability as it is the first time a true freshie will start on opening day for USC.

Carroll is showing full confidence in the kid "He’s the starting quarterback at USC — it’s not a one-game deal," he said in a statement. "He seized the opportunity that was in front of him and took control. He deserves all the credit in the world and we expect nothing but great things from him."

Barkley won the job over third-year sophomore Aaron Corp in spring practice despite Corp having a seriously impressive camp. Apparently he was near-flawless that included only one interception in 15 workouts but he suffered a cracked fibula on the third day of training camp. Corp returned to full-speed workouts on this past Tuesday and did not miss a beat in passing efficiency and looked poised to take the reigns for the Trojans but his absence gave Barkley the opportunity to take all of the first-team snaps, and he clearly showed enough to over take Corp.

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"It’s clear to us as a staff that Matt Barkley is ready to be the starting quarterback at USC," Carroll said. "He has exceeded all of our expectations. He has all the physical ability, he has the mentality and temperament to handle the position, his personality is very well received by all the players and he’s extremely talented.”