As websites ran the above image of Barkley and his return, it spokes a thousand words regarding the pageantry of college football – the hoisting of the Trojan sword, the sea of fans, the winning quarterback with the Hollywood smile and the two fingers in a ‘v’ for victory thrown his way by the masses.
That rah-rah tradition that doesn’t exist in Coral Gables and regarding this off-season, nor does the return of a star players with remaining eligibility.
Sure, Miami will return junior Ray-Ray Armstrong, suspended a grand total of five games in 2011 for two separate offenses, but the Canes lose Tommy Streeter, Lamar Miller, Marcus Forston, Olivier Vernon and Brandon Washington, all declaring for the NFL Draft and giving up their senior seasons at The U.
If you do a little digging on Barkley, you probably could’ve seen this coming a mile away. This is a first-class kid possessing the wherewithal to realize that college is a special time and once gone, there’s no looking back.
Barkley consulted past USC quarterbacks, did his homework, weighed out the decision and decided a few days back that he’s be a Trojan in 2012, with some unfinished business to take care of.
Barkley was born in well-off Newport Beach, light years away from the Pork and Bean projects. He attended a private, Catholic high school, Mater Dei, and probably never had to look over his shoulder a day in his life, running from thugs jealous of his on-the-field success.
Dad co-owns and insurance business and his folks started Monarchs For Marines, where hundreds of parents, students and coaches from his high school volunteered to renovate youth areas at the marine base down south at Camp Pendleton, just north of San Diego.
Barkley carried a 3.77 GPA in high school, is a devout Christian and even played a little acoustic guitar in his youth group. During the holiday season before enrolling at Southern Cal, Barkley and some friends and family went to help run an orphanage in South Africa.
By all accounts this is a sharp, wise, mature, grounded, centered and focused individual. There’s a reason he’s under center at a major program and there’s also a reason he was able to focus on the bigger picture instead of immediate gratification, glory and a pay day.
Different families are in different situations and there are some kids that forego a senior season simply to put food on the table. When that is the case, there’s nothing you can do but tip your hat to a 21-year old man doing what he has to do to provide for both the generation he’ll bring into this world, as well as his siblings and possible the generation that brought him into the world.
He’s carrying a heavy load and in choosing the NFL in effort to provide for family and to shoulder that burden, you respect it and wish him well.
But that isn’t always in the case.
Many times it’s the same attitude that causes an underclassmen to request a transfer because immediate playing time isn’t being offered and there’s logjam at his position. Instead of grinding it out, working hard, paying dues and reaping the reward, many take a shortcut, unable to truly grasp the fact that a year is really just a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of life.
The circumstances surrounding the early departure of five Miami Hurricanes is most-likely a mix of everything. Providing for family could be a big reason some guys are moving on, but it’d be foolish to not at least consider the fact there could be some entitlement, impatience, ego and selfishness involved, too. Especially with no sure-fire first rounder and a few of the five who could potentially go undrafted.
Barkley was slated to be a top five pick and the second quarterback off the board after Stanford’s Andrew Luck. By returning, he will raise his status and could arguably be the number one guy next season. Yes, there’s the risk of injury, but when isn’t that the case? Welcome to big time football, where your career could end on a freak play at any point, any game.
Barkley was featured on the website IAmSecond.com in the past, where he delves into his faith, his attitude, what he stands for and the responsibility he feels as USC’s quarterback, needing to help return the Trojans to prominence.
Barkley came to Southern Cal in 2009 as an early enrollee and started game one that fall. Injuries sidelined him twice, but he’s started 36 of 38 games the past three seasons and after going 9-4 and 8-5 the past two years, led the Trojans to a 10-2 season in 2011, setting the stage for a potentially nice run in 2012. Still, the journey has been anything by smooth sailing.
At the end of Barkley’s freshman season, then-head coach Pete Carroll bailed for the NFL, taking the Seattle job. The man who brought all the success to Troy and recruiting Barkley to be the next quarterback great, bailed out with sanctions looming.
From there, the fallout from the Reggie Bush era of USC football came to fruition, with the Trojans stripped of a national title, a Heisman Trophy, and put on probation, banning the program from the post-season.
While current Miami players sulk over no bowl game on the heels of this year’s 6-6 run, Barkley’s Trojans went 8-5 and 10-2 and stayed home two Decembers in a row. The lone bowl berth in Barkley’s career; an Emerald Bowl win over Boston College in 2009 after an 8-4 regular season.
USC also missed the inaugural Pac-12 Championship game this year, where they’d have taken on fourth-ranked Oregon for a shot at a Rose Bowl berth – a team Southern Cal already beat a few weeks back.
Instead, 6-6 UCLA represented the South Division instead of USC, the same Bruins team the Trojans disposed of 50-0 the week prior.
Barkley could’ve easily run after the 2009 season, sat out 2010, started for another top program and would be prepping for a bowl game this post-season and another few years of college ball, with Southern Cal and their issues all in the rearview.
Instead, he honored his commitment, stuck it out and beyond that, felt led to help the Trojans come back.
“I absolutely think God has placed me where I am and made me the person who I am to be in the position where I am and the platform that I have as the USC starting quarterback,” said Barkley in the linked I Am Second piece above.
“Only recently have I realized the power of that position and to see the USC quarterbacks of the past, how they’ve grown up and the influence that they’ve had on people, and now I’m in that same position – how can I use that for God’s kingdom?
I think leaving my mark at USC, not only as a football player, but as a man of God who brought USC through troubled times and relied on God and trusted in Him to make things happen, I think will be better than any game we could ever win.”
This isn’t a brainwashed homeschooler who rocks Bible verses under his eyes, points to the Denver skies after a score and spouts off meathead-sports-cliches after a win. Barkley is a kid who seemingly ‘gets it’, yet has remained under the radar, choosing to live out his faith instead of finding hokey and stereotypical ways to verbally shove his beliefs down America’s collective throat.
You see Barkley bucking the trend and making right decisions and it gives you faith in the process all over again. The only downside here is the fact he’s a kid doing it elsewhere, while so many recent Hurricanes chose wrong.
Honestly, who wouldn’t have loved to be a fly on the wall at Hecth on Thursday when Barkley’s decision went public?
Who wouldn’t have loved to hear Al Golden, Jedd Fisch, Mark D’Onofrio and other coaches discussing this good decision in light of the poor decisions that recently came out of Coral Gables – some of which like the Streeter departure, which Golden was outspoken against, suggesting another year to hone skills.
Here’s hoping that there are some Barkley-type kids in Miami’s future and less of the me-first type players who ignore sound advice, only see the short term and put self above team.
Yes, there are extenuating circumstances, making Barkley’s case different from others, but in the end it’s his motivation, heart, head, attitude and process which make him a cut above the rest. – C.B.
comments
The constant re-litigating of the winning-cures-all-while-losing-exposes-warts sentiment rolls on as Miami faithful continue flailing in…
Josh Pate gets it... and I'm not just saying that because he dedicated an entire…
Tyler Van Dyke may very well have thrown his last meaningful pass for the Miami…
We can debate the merits of winning-curing-all and losses-killing-perspective at another time. For now, focus…
Winning might not cure everything, but it certainly can shift a narrative overnight—immediately lightening…
The only remedy for a gut-wrenching loss to Georgia Tech would've been the Miami Hurricanes…
View Comments
Isn't it comforting to know there are some college plays that understand loyalty and maturity. Other thn Mller there's not one other early commitment from the U worthy of playing in the NFL next year. Armstrong realised he wasn't ready and I assume the others were led down the path to dollars. What a shock it will be when reality sets in. Another year at the U for development and success would have established this group as true NFL candidates. One caveat: Maybe Golden is happy and can live with this group moving on.
For some of the guys that left early you feel as though their time with the canes was merely a pit stop for the NFL. I think for some of them their heart was never with the team or school. It was just another inconvenient chore they had to go through to get to the nfl. Your school needed you, your coaches needed you, your team needed you and the fans needed you to stay to help the next generation of young canes to take them under your wing, to help the team transition from the present to the future. And what did they do? They bailed on the U at its most crucial time. When we needexperience, when we need leadership and guidance for the ew kids coming in. So many squandered opportunities by those kids. They had one more chance, one more decision to make it right, to put the U on their shoulder and become the bridge for future canes to walk across into future success. But just like their play on the field they failed to come through. Failed to fulfill their obligation. It was about them about their play time, their money, their getting paid, their future, their feelings, their life. Even in their last decision at the U it was all about them. They never played as a team during their tenure and couldn't think like a teammate in their final decision. Good riddance. May they find the success they seek, but they will be mere footnotes in the university of Miami's history. And this is not for all of those that left early. They know who they are.
Can't argue with any of that VA. Simply put, Miami needs more kids like Matt Barkley and less kids like Streeter, Miller, Vernon, Washington and Forston. What they did for UM is appreciated. They came on and put in their time. That said, they all could've done more and at a time where leaders and more heart is needed, they cut and run.
Listen, I love reading your blogs and I tend to agree with them 99 percent of the time but why must you criticize Tebow? I'm sorry to bring out a minor detail of your nicely written piece but it really stuck out to me. Tebow is not a brainwashed kid, you should read his book before you pass judgement. He simply uses every opportunity to honor God. I see plenty of professional athletes other than him that point to the sky after they score. Rocking those verses is another way of getting people to open a Bible. I'm just saying. Anyways, I didn't know half this stuff about Barkley and I'm glad you shared it because I just found some new respect for the guy. I wish those Canes would stay but it's shocking to me how Brandon and Tommy left. THEY stated clearly that they were staying for another year and then they throw the curveball by leaving.
Mitch - It was a little dig at Tebowmania more than the kid himself. Personally I like Tebow, but the media hype has turned him into a larger than life creature and at times I think #15 buys into it as much as everyone else.
Honestly, the most defining Tebow moment for me was when he lost the SEC Championship to Alabama in 2009. Watching him cry on the sidelines, needing to be consoled ... I think that was a chink in the armor of his legacy. Anyone can "lead" when your team is winning, but to collapse at a moment when your team needs you most -- it was a bit weak.
As someone who shares the faith, I'd like to see Tebow (and others) giving the same type of true praise in their failures as much as their moments success. We always see athletes pointing to the heavens after a score, or dropping some cliche praise "to the man upstairs" after a big win ... but where is that praise in a loss? God doesn't care who wins or loses the game and when athletes only give the glory after a win, it rings a bit hollow.
I'm a big believer in true faith and Christian spirituality, but "religion" sitting on its own can ring hollow at times. I want to see another dimension to Tebow. More than just "religious Tim". Watching Matt Barkley on IAmSecond.com -- you saw a deep thinker and someone truly comfortable where they're at and someone who fully seems to understand and grasp what's in front of him. No meathead cliches from Barkley - he seems wise beyond his years and I resonate with that, whereas Tebow's schtick doesn't really resonate with me.
I respect him as one of the good guys in the game -- especially in a sport with so many thugs and bad seeds. My ball-breaking might've been a bit harsh, but that was simply because I'm tired of Tebowmania and the overhype that my digs were an attempt to balance out the universe, I guess. Hope you understand.
.... and great points about Streeter / Washington. Very Butch Davis-esque with the over-the-top commitment to come back, only to renege and bail out days later. Immature move by both guys and definitely handled things poorly.
I think the success of Jimmy Graham and Sam Shields in the pros may help with recruiting but hurts with player retention. Sam Shields didnt have a stellar career here and Jimmy Graham played 1 year of football with the Canes. So the whole thing about needing to stay in school to develop can be debated. Players will see that success that they had and question why they need to stay in school when they can get paid to learn. Matt Barkley is from a well to do family as you stated in the article, so staying in school to potentially win a national championship and Heisman in your senior year doesnt necessarily make it a gamble. Nor is it indication that his character is better than Marcus Forston. Forston would've come back to play for a team that pending the current NCAA investigation, may not even be eligible to play in a bowl game next year too.
I'm pretty sure if Barkley felt that he had no shot at either, he wouldve made the choice to forgo his senior year to come out and get drafted.
Fully agree. Seeing Shields or Graham succeeding out the gate let's kids know that if they have the talent, they can succeed at the next level.
Problem is that it provides a lot of false hope. Al Golden said there were some kids on this team who thought they were better than they are and this mass exodus really emphasizes that.
Barkley definitely comes from a better financial situation - as does Andrew Luck and as did Matt Leinart - and that ABSOLUTELY helps, whereas there are some lesser kids across the nation who are making the leap to help family.
That said, it should be pointed out that there are also a lot of juniors that returned - despite family hardship - returning for their senior seasons, putting in the work and a year later bringing in more money for their families.
Some guys make that sacrifice, thinking long term, while others jump at the immediate cash. It's a personal thing and regardless, you wish them well.
Lastly, on the Barkley tip, can't be certain what he would do, but he definitely is a team-first kid. He could've EASILY have bailed after the 2009 season, when Pete Carroll left and the sanctions were coming down. Kid could've left for a big time program, sat out 2010 and would've balled somewhere in 2011, reaching a bowl game (instead of sitting one out at 10-2 this year), with 1-2 more years to play.
Instead, he paid the price for past USC sins and has taken personal responsibility in wanting to bring the Trojans back. If you watch the IAmSecond.com clip on him, you have to believe that he'd still have returned next year simply to have a shot at a bowl game and to lead his team. He already sat out two bowl games for something he didn't do, so the notion that he'd bail out on next year if a bowl game might be hanging in the balance, I don't necessarily buy that. This kid could've run two years ago, but stuck it out at USC and deserves credit for that.
The difference between Barkley coming back and any of the Canes is that Barkley and USC have a realistic shot at making a run at the B(C)S Title Game, while Streeter and the rest will be coming back for another possible .500 season - two totally polar opposite vibes. Coming from a financially well off family makes the choice an easy one. Most players don't have that luxury, unfortunately. Yes the Canes that left will be costing themselves money by coming out early, but it's hard to criticize, seeing the money everyone is making off their backs while they see none of it. I am a Cane and want every player to stay and help get us back to where we belong, but they have to look out for themselves with the short shelf-life of a player. That being said, I totally agree with you in saying that they should have stayed.It's only a year, but I guess to a young kid, that seems too long.
Agree John, but as stated early, Barkley is a sure-fire top three pick while the Canes bailing out rank from second round to undrafted.
Barkley is coming back to play for a title, while Miami kids could easily come back to boost their draft stock and to make a shit-ton more money.
Either way, there are pluses and minuses for both and Barkley is putting team first while these kids are putting self first.
It is what it is. Their life. Their career. Whatever they want to do. Just a bum out as some of them are making very bad decisions.
Matt Barkley feels he has something to return for. He has a stacked team returning too.
I believe Miami players feel that there is very little to come back to. I disagree to this but??
I read that the departure can free up scholarships to recruit Coach Golden's players, and to "weed out" Randy Shannon's players with the "bad habits" We will soon see.
In Coach Golden I trust, Just look at what he left behind with Temple. I do believe that his old squad went to a bowl game and won it. It will turn around in Coral Gables, but we have to be patient.
Agree that Barkley has more to come back to, but he's also giving up a lot more, so it sort of weighs out. Kid is a top three pick if he comes out.
Miami kids may think there's "little to come back to" regarding the immediate future of the team, but again Tommy Streeter could play himself into the first round with another solid year. Lamar Miller, arguably an early second rounder, could be a top ten pick if he had a strong 2012. Brandon Washington could also play himself into the first rounder, while Olivier Vernon and Marcus Forston could've worked their way up to day one picks.
And yes, Steve Addazio took Temple to an 8-4 regular season and a bowl win over Wyoming, the program's first since 1979.
Some good can come from the added scholarships due to the kids bailing out, but again, as far as the culture of the Miami program goes, a real "me first" attitude where Barkley really seems like a "team first" kid, which is what it takes to field a championship squad.
Merry Christmas Cane Nation!!!
I guess what i am wondering with all this is where were the former canes saying hey man your ready for the next level but you could gain so much more from one more year. You ready the many articles on Barkleys return and all of them say that everyone told him your ready your going to be a first rounder probably top five and yet the kid still says i need one more year. Your right C.B. he realizes that college is a once in a lifetime deal and he needs to drink it all in. I think the one thing that i loved and makes me most frustrated about these canes is Barkley said We have unfinished busineess here and i want to be apart of finishing it. If i'm a pac 12 team or hell all of college football next season i don't want to face the trojans. You can tell those boys will be focused week in and week out and will be very dangerous and i predict they will be in the national championship game. Thats a scary team which brings me to my point about our boys why didn't these guys come back and try to shock the college football world by putting together an impressive season. Push for a conference championship game instead they all run scared for the nfl. All our guys this year are going to be third round or later guys. The only third rounder i see is washington. He is the most nfl ready. Streeter still needs to work on his hands, miller dances to much in the hole. Vernon needs work, and forston needs work. All these guys could have greatly benefited from one more season.
My hat is off to you Matt Barkely and i expect to see a heisman and a national championship next to your name next season. If only the canes had one guy like this one.
hey - thy left, they left. Say goodbye and look ahead. Yes, this does free up scholly's. Lets hope Coach uses these wisely and - - - - well i've said this before.
Nor more easy recruiting. forget Norland and Northwestern. Get huge non-scramble-ball kids. We gotta stop looking like a high-school team weight wise.
Check out Coach's recrutinig up north. He can do it if he wants - - -