Aaron Corp Injured – Matt Barkley Bringin’ Out The Big Guns

Matt Barkley received the early Christmas present he never even dared to dream about – Aaron Corp, the starting quarterback at this point for the USC Trojans is injured just a few weeks before the start of the NCAA football season opener. Aaron Corp is listed as the starter at this point, but Matt Barkley has been hot on his heels and gaining ground throughout his time at USC. Barkley, a true freshman man-child of a quarterback for the Trojans, is likely still going to be the backup for the season opener if Corp is healthy and ready to go, but you can be sure he’ll have his helmet on and chin strap buckled, ready to take over at the first sign of trouble. Hell, he woulda been anyways, but Barkley is a fierce competitor, and when a shark smells blood in the water, it’s only a matter of time….

“I’m hoping he gets back as soon as possible,” Barkley said. “But while he is out, I’m going to take advantage of every rep, every play, and try to get the most out of it that I can.” – Matt Barkley

That a boy, Matt! Go get em, kid! I love rooting for the underdog, and I love seeing the young guys go out there and tear it up. Barkley is more than likely going to be a monster of a quarterback in the coming years, and his chances of not going to the NFL early are slim to none someday if he even comes close to his potential. Mel Kiper Jr. has already stated that he thinks Barkley is a future number one draft pick in the NFL. Now don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against Aaron Corp – nothing at all. But a true freshman on the field at USC? Are you kidding me?? I would love to see that! Bring it on I say!

That’s easy for me to say, though. When asked if Corp could lose his spot while he’s out, USC coach Pete Carroll said:

“I don’t know why I would ever answer that question. I’m just going to go back and see what the deal is for tomorrow. Are you asking me if this is the Wally Pipp situation relived? Is that what you’re saying?”- Pete Carroll

Carroll declined to elaborate any further – as you would expect. You know this is going to make things even tougher on Carroll. He’s already got the freshman Barkley showing amazing potential, and the thought of where he would be in a year or two if given the chance to start as a freshman and learn the ropes now has to be enticing.

But, as we’ve all come to expect – there’s a good chance Barkley wouldn’t stick around for more than a few years if he got the chance to play early, so why not stick with the Junior Corp for now, who is awesome, and let Barkley stew for a year or two and start his junior and senior years? Then, instead of teaching Barkley how to play the position just so he can leave for the NFL when you’re about to get the best out of him, while Corp sits the bench, you get the best you’re gonna get out of Corp now, followed by the best you’re gonna get out of Barkley later. And I’d bet ya anything that’s exactly what Carrol has been hoping would play out all along.

So let’s not hold our breath on Barkley getting the nod unless Corp gets injured or plays awful – which is highly unlikely. So Aaron Corp – get well, and get back out there, bro. Barkley, you’re awesome, man! Keep getting better, and be ready when the time comes because it is indeed coming, and maybe sooner than anyone expects.