Matt Barkley

Hometown: Santa Ana, CA (Mater Dei HS)

Height: 6'4"     Weight: 226

Position: QB

Teams Of Interest

Committed to USC

The Skinny

USC commit was named 2008 Gatorade National P.O.Y.

The Analysis

Barkley has all the necessary tools to become an elite quarterback at the next level. He has supreme physical ability. He has the perfect mental make-up. And he is a public relations dream come true.

On the field, there is no equal in the 2009 class. He has a huge arm and can make every throw on the field. He throws the deep out as well as any player in college ranks much less high school. He has great touch on his deep passes as well as his short routes. The intermediate routes, generally the most difficult to complete, require touch on certain occasions while others need be on a rope. Barkley can make both throws.

He is deceptively mobile. It is not raw speed, however, that gives him escape-ability. It is his flawless technique. He has great footwork and a wonderful sixth sense in the pocket. He detects pressure, moves his feet, squares his shoulders and makes the throw.

Toughness, leadership and poise also set Barkley apart from his peers. He will stand tall in the pocket and complete pass after pass, all while taking shots to the chest from rushing defensive lineman. In this way, he earns respect from his teammates. He commands the huddle and the locker room.

He is the complete package.  

Barkley, a devout Christian, has also spearheaded the ‘Monarchs for Marines’ program in southern California. Hundreds of coaches, parents and players turned out at Camp Pendleton to renovate the grounds for the troops. M4M has raised over $100,000 for fallen and wounded soilders.

Barkley was named the 2008 Gatorade National Player of The Year and the Pete Maxwell Award winner as the nation's top prep player. He was also awarded the first annual Joe Montana Quarterback of the Year in 2008. He was the only junior candidate in the group. He complete 62% of his passes for 3,560 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2007.

2007: 3,560 yds, 35 TD, 9 INT (62%)
2006: 1,349 yds, 11 TD, 5 INT (57%)
2005: 1,685 yds, 10 TD, 9 INT (57%)

 

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