USC Football: Matt Barkley's Potential Backup Quarterback Leaves USC

Redshirt sophomore Jesse Scroggins, one of Matt Barkley's potential backup quarterbacks, is officially leaving USC, according the the USC Athletics Department.

@USC_Athletics: "QB Jesse Scroggins will transfer from USC. He is academically eligible after a 'strong spring semester in the classroom'," Lane Kiffin said.

@USC_Athletics: More Lane Kiffin on Scroggins' transfer: "We wish Jesse and his family nothing by great success." #USC

Recently Scroggins has been competing against redshirt freshmen, Cody Kessler and Matt Wittek, for the backup quarterback job in 2012, and eventually the starting QB position in 2013.

However, after USC's annual Spring Game, it seemed like the top-two contenders were Kessler, who went 3-6 with 68 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception, and Wittek, who went 3-7 with 27 yards. 

Scroggins spent his first year at USC in 2010 as a redshirt quarterback. He made his first (and only) appearance in the 2011 season as a backup quarterback, taking the last snap against Washington. Although he had the ball in his hands, Scroggins never actually threw it for a pass. 

Scroggins missed the first six games of the 2011 season due to preseason surgery on his right hand and thumb, but the biggest issue with No. 15 was his potential academic ineligibility. 

USC's head coach, Lane Kiffin, said that Scroggins is in fact academically eligible, ruling out his school work as the reason for his leave. 

The only question that remains now is what will become of Jesse Scroggins?