GOING TO USC: Mater Dei quarterback Matt Barkley says he wants to play for the Trojans. FILE PHOTO |
Mater Dei's Barkley commits to USC
The junior quarterback reveals his decision to play for the Trojans.
Mater Dei High quarterback Matt Barkley followed his heart Wednesday and started to plan his future on two fronts.
The junior committed to USC and also began to focus on his final season at Mater Dei.
In announcing his decision over the phone to a reporter, Barkley's enthusiasm was apparent.
“I'm stoked. I really am,” he said. “I knew in my heart where I wanted to go and with (spring) football coming up (at Mater Dei), I want to be focused on that.”
Barkley (6-foot-4, 225), rated the No. 1 prospect for the recruiting class of 2009 by rivals.com, was offered a scholarship by USC last spring.
He said he also had interest in Cal, Florida, Oregon and UCLA, but the Trojans received Barkley's verbal commitment more than a year before he can sign his national letter of intent.
“I chose USC because I simply love the football program and because of the great education I will receive,” Barkley said during the prepared portion of his announcement.
“There is an incredible tradition of competition, excellence, enthusiasm and winning that I am excited to be a part of.
“I have the greatest respect for Coach (Pete) Carroll, Coach (Steve) Sarkisian and the entire coaching staff and what they have accomplished.”
Saturday was a big day for Barkley. During the morning, he went to USC and spoke with Carroll and some members of the Trojans' 2008 recruiting class, including Servite's D.J. Shoemate.
He later attended the USC-UCLA men's basketball game at Pauley Pavilion and met with new UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel, whose program has gained momentum with the addition of quarterback guru Norm Chow.
“It was 100 percent his (Matt's) decision,” said Barkley's father, Les, who is a former captain of the water polo team at USC. “He (Matt) has great respect for Coach Chow but that didn't play in his decision.”
Recruiting expert Greg Biggins of StudentSportsFootball.com wasn't surprised by Barkley's decision.
“Not at all,” Biggins said. “He has been leaning there forever.”
Last season, Barkley passed for a county-record 3,560 yards, 35 touchdowns and was selected The Register's Offensive Player of the Year. He was also selected Gatorade National Player of the Year and the winner of the inaugural Joe Montana Quarterback of the Year Award. Barkley has a 3.9 grade-point average.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
