USC football: Barkley makes a good first impression

March 28th, 2009, 6:02 pm · 6 Comments · posted by Michael Lev, staff writer

Photo by Paul E. Rodriguez/The Register

It’s way too early to determine a pecking order in USC’s quarterback competition. But if anyone emerged as a winner on the first day of spring practice Saturday, it was freshman Matt Barkley.

Barkley took the first reps in team drills, was generally second up behind Aaron Corp after that and proved he belonged in the race, at least for now.

“It’s interesting to watch him,” USC coach Pete Carroll said. “This is a unique opportunity for us to see a freshman in spring football like this.”

Barkley connected on most of his throws, looking especially sharp on slant routes, but also fumbled an exchange with tailback Marc Tyler. Barkley gave himself a “B, B-minus” for the day.

“Some of my throws were kind of iffy,” he said. “But you can always get better.”

The most common batting order was Corp, Barkley, Garrett Green and Mitch Mustain. But new quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates said that would change with every practice until the coaches start to see some separation.

“Early on we’re going to give everybody an opportunity to be first,” Bates said. “Then we’re just going to play with the numbers - who’s leading, who deserves it.”

The challenge for Barkley, who enrolled early so he could participate in spring practice, will be to sustain his level of performance as the playbook thickens. Bates and new offensive coordinator John Morton simplified some of the verbiage, a change all the quarterbacks welcomed.

“There was a lot of stuff that really didn’t have any meaning,” Mustain said. “It was more confusing than it was helpful. We cut out a lot of that and really simplified a lot of things. It ended up helping everybody out.”

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30OC25BB08SY says:

March 28, 2009 at 8:11 pm

I am with MB…

Eric Sornoso says:

March 28, 2009 at 10:16 pm

Barkley is talented, but I still believe Mustain, and Corp have a strong advantage by knowing the USC playbook: inside & out.

And this will be the main factor why Mustain or Corp will be our next quarterback.

Doug says:

March 28, 2009 at 11:45 pm

Mitch Mustain proved last year that he knew the plays, but couldn’t get past throwing to the wrong team. Corp wasn’t even trusted in the games.

I was at OJ Simpson’s first game at the Coliseum. He past everyone up and immediately became the starter. Why? He was just that good. The coaches will go with the most talented (or should) and they will adjust the playbook as needed.

What, do you think that two rookies started in the NFL last year because they knew the playbook better? Get real. Talent is always number one.

Brian says:

March 29, 2009 at 8:45 am

MB may very well be good, however, I belive we need to go with Corp. If we stick to the short passing game (slants, screens, under routs) and running the ball, we should be fine. If Corp gets into trouble he can use his speed. Can’t say the same thing for MM. I still say put Joe in the slot to keep those DB’s on their heels, this will open up that running game for Stephon and CJ.

March 29, 2009 at 9:02 am

Hey Doug are you with the little sergeant, Sir(!)?

cpcc says:

March 30, 2009 at 8:26 am

MB has all the talent in the world. My main concern is the lack of team championships during his highschool career. His sophmore and junior years he had a lot of talent on his team yet he still didn’t get it done. I think he needs to wait and learn how to utilize the talent around him. It will inspire his teammates and make him a better leader.

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