Who Will QB for the Trojans in 2009?

With Mark Sanchez out of the picture, the question on every USC fan’s mind is this: who will lead the Trojans to the National Championship in 2009? First string belongs to Aaron Corp right now, as per decisions at the end of spring training, but head coach Pete Carroll is known for playing whoever he damn well pleases, even if there are older players on the roster.

One person who hopes to have a chance even though he doesn’t have any college experience is freshman Matt Barkley, according to reports. The team started working out on Saturday, and this young quarterback from Orange County has been holding his own with Corp and backup quarterback Mitch Mustain. Barkley graduated early from high school and enrolled at USC for the spring in order to take part in spring practices with the team.

Aaron Corp and Matt Barkley at practice. Image: Newscom

Corp isn’t going down without a fight, though. The starting position is his to lose, and although Barkley may be impressive for a freshman, Corp is taller and is more mobile and consistent. Mustain is a quiet threat too, though. He is a transfer from Arkansas, where he was a freshman starter, and he probably could have started at many other BCS school, so he won’t just sit back and watch as he falls to third string at USC.

Carroll admits that a lot can happen between now and the season opener against San Jose State in four weeks. Who will we see shine for the Trojans this year? My money is on Corp, but it’s really anyone’s game at this point.