USC Trojans
USC Trojans There is a buzz building in Southern California around true freshman quarterback Matt Barkley.

As USC first-team quarterback Aaron Corp sat out of a Trojans practice on Tuesday night with a swollen left knee, Barkley, the nation's top QB recruit in the 2009 recruiting class, took Corp's place with the offense.

According to coach Pete Carroll, he performed very well.

"Like he's done every day, he had a number of big plays and really good throws," said Carroll. "What is really extraordinary is his attitude, his approach to it. He doesn't feel like he's having any problems handling stuff. He's dealing with it very well."

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Barkley, has received some very high praise from USC QB coach Jeremy Bates. Bates compared Barkley's arm strength
to that of Jay Cutler and said his poise reminded him of a young Peyton Manning.

"I had a blast today getting the extra reps," Barkley said. He then added that he is eager for Corp to get back into action.

The idea that a true freshman could take over the starting job at USC is a little out there, however, he has actually overtook former blue-chipper Mitch Mustain for the No. 2 spot and appears to be closing ground on Corp.

"He's still got issues," says Carroll. "The young guys have issues with protections and changing protections and adjusting things. Stuff like that."

Carroll quickly dismissed questions about Barkley becoming the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart saying that they just need to see what Wednesday has in store for Corp. He added that the Trojans need to get Corp back out there as soon as they can.