Pac-10 Position Breakdown, Quarterback: USC Trojans

In January, a projection of the 2009 quarterback situation at USC did not seem necessary.

After all, Mark Sanchez seemed like he was on his way back fresh off of a great Rose Bowl performance to end his first year as starter. Although his decision to go pro initially irritated head coach Pete Carroll, it now seems all parties may come out just fine heading into the fall. After a stellar spring, Aaron Corp, a 6-4 redshirt sophomore from Orange Lutheran, has established himself as the starter.

Corp went an astounding 13 spring practices without throwing an interception capped off by a solid spring game. Before the spring, most pundits agreed that it was Corp’s mobility that made him such a tremendous talent. Some close to the program believe that Corp will be able to use his mobility out of the bootleg and play action even better than Sanchez did in last year’s offense.

The only questionmark with Corp was how consistent he could be throwing the football. So far, Corp has silenced any critics he might have. His performance was especially impressive considering the stiff competition he faced throughout all of USC’s practices and scrimmages to date.

In fact, the competition was so stiff that the battle for starting signal-caller could re-open in the fall thanks in large part to a rising star named Matt Barkley.

Eighteen-year-old Matt Barkley planned to become a serious contender for the starting job at USC from day one. He graduated from high school in 3 ½ years so that he could make it to USC in time for spring ball. His belief in himself to win the job this early should come as no surprise.

Barkley attended the prestigious football powerhouse Mater Dei High School, becoming the second freshman in the history of the program to start at quarterback. He didn’t waste any time in making an impression on the coaches at USC. Barkley made several big plays throughout the spring, but his untimely interceptions kept him from ascending to number one.

Still, it was considered a major upset that he dethroned the more experienced Mitch Mustain for the second spot on the depth chart. If Barkley progresses in the fall as much as he did during spring, not only will there be no redshirt, he may threaten for the starting job.

As for Mustain, the spring was not as productive. The former Arkansas Razorback was extremely inconsistent. His perfect 8-0 record from his time in the mighty SEC is now just a distant memory.

The frustrating thing about Mustain is all the potential that is so evident. In watching him, one can see why he is a former Gatorade High School Player Of The Year. However, he has not picked up the offense nearly as well as the aforementioned Corp and Barkley. Playing time is not out of the question, but he must pick up the pace because he is a clear third right now.

Finally, dual-threat quarterback Garrett Green figures to provide depth in case injuries mount this season.

My Take: I believe Aaron Corp will be a very solid quarterback for USC this season. He does not ever seem to make the wrong decision and pressure doesn’t bother him at all. With the talent that SC has around him, (especially an experienced and supremely talented offensive line) his great mobility and cool demeanor will be a perfect fit for the offense.

But lets get real here – Matt Barkley is going to be special. It won’t happen this year, but he is the future face of USC. I just don’t think Corp, only a sophomore, will be able to last two or three years as a starter with that kind of talent behind him. I honestly believe that Barkley, on paper, is the best prospect at quarterback that SC has had since Carroll took the job.

I am very disappointed in Mustain. I followed Arkansas closely during the Darren McFadden and Felix Jones years and I knew SC was getting a great receiver in Damian Williams (a stud). I also thought Mustain would be an impact player but he hasn’t gotten there. Hopefully he turns it around.

- Sam Saig, www.allpac10.com