Matt Barkley Video: Watch USC QB Announce He'll Stay a Trojan

Christmas has come early for the USC Trojans football program as quarterback Matt Barkley announced on Thursday that he will return to the school for his senior season.

This is a risky move by Barkley, considering he would certainly be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft and would be coveted by several teams in need of a quarterback for the future. 

Barkley mentioned that the 2012 team has some "unfinished business to attend to" and he wants to be a part of that.

The 2011 USC team went 10-2 and beat quality teams such as Oregon and Notre Dame. With the football program's two-year postseason ban ending this season, the Trojans would be able to compete in a bowl game next in Barkley's senior season.

The Trojans have a good enough team returning next year to make a real run at a BCS bowl berth, which would be a tremendous experience for Barkley and his teammates.

Barkley threw 39 touchdowns this season, a Pac-12 record, and with another season of college experience he could improve enough to become a leading Heisman Trophy candidate and a top NFL prospect.

Staying in school has worked out for several quarterbacks in the past few seasons. Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford returned for his senior season and was taken No. 1 overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck stayed with the Cardinal this season and will certainly be the No. 1 pick in this April's draft.

I admire Barkley for making this decision. He will earn his degree and have a great season with his USC teammates. It's a smart move that more collegiate players should make.