USC Trojans News - Matt Barkley

As quickly as it started, it also ended for the nation's top prospect in the 2009 class.

Matt Barkley, the five-star junior quarterback from Santa Ana ( Calif. ) Mater Dei, committed to USC last week. Barkley turned down a slew of national offers and ended the recruiting process before it could get started.

"I am very excited about my decision, it is one that my family and I have given serious consideration to and have prayed about a great deal," Barkley said.

"I chose USC because I simply love the football program and because of the great education I will receive. There is an incredible tradition of competition, excellence, enthusiasm and winning that I am excited to be a part of. I have the greatest respect for Pete Carroll, Steve Sarkisian and the entire coaching staff and what they have accomplished. I look forward to playing football for them."

Barkley said he made the decision also because it will allow him to get the pressure of recruiting out of the way, and it'll make things easier on his family and for his teammates during his senior season.

Matt Barkley (b. September 8, 1990) is an American football player. He currently starts at quarterback for Mater Dei High School of Santa Ana, California. Barkley was named 2007 Gatorade national player of the year, as the first non-senior to ever been named such. He also won the 2007 Glenn Davis Award, given to best high school football player in Southern California , as well as the inaugural Joe Montana Award as the nation's top high school quarterback.

Barkley passed for 3,576 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2007, completing 63% of his passes with nine interceptions. In 2005, he became the first freshman quarterback to start at Mater Dei High School since Todd Marinovich.

Barkley is rated the top overall prospect in the nation by Rivals.com. On January 23, 2008, Barkley ended all speculation about Norm Chow and UCLA possibly becoming a contender by making his announcement for the USC Trojans.

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