Lane Kiffin Will Personally Vouch For Matt Barkley
By Mike Dyce
Feb 22, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
As if anyone takes the fact that Lane Kiffin vouching for anything brings any credibility, he’s vouching for Matt Barkley. Kiffin is insistent that Barkley can succeed in the NFL.
“I think he’s going to be a great starting quarterback in the NFL, and the film shows it,” Kiffin said, via ESPN LA. “The plays he makes, all the throws he’s made here, the leadership qualities.”
At one point in time USC was considered a factory for NFL quarterbacks starting with Carson Palmer, than Matt Leinart and Mark Sanchez. However as they continue to disappoint in the NFL that mystique has faded and has some avoiding USC quarterbacks, almost as if they’re a suckers pick, fool’s gold even.
But that didn’t stop Kiffin from comparing Barkley to former USC greats at the position.
“I’ve said this before: If Matt Barkley had the defense that Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer had, Matt Barkley would have won the Heisman Trophy just like they did. He would have had the winning records they had.”
Matt Barkley however isn’t as quick to compare himself to those other USC quarterbacks.
“There have been great USC quarterbacks [who have done] some things in the NFL,” Barkley said. “I know my case, my situation and my story is different than all those other guys. I don’t think you can put everyone in the same mold. I know what I’m capable of, and I wouldn’t be so quick to put a mold around me.”