Updated: Matt Barkley Announces That He's Returning To USC
by Danny Kelly on Dec 22, 2011 9:03 AM PST
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Updating a story from earlier this morning: Matt Barkley has announced that he's returning to USC and will not enter the 2012 NFL Draft.
As many of you already know, USC QB Matt Barkley has called a press conference for today at 1pm to announce whether he'll be entering the NFL Draft or staying in school for another year, with a likely shot at a bowl game and possibly even a National Title with the Trojans. As Rob Staton pointed out, Barkley received a less than favorable evaluation from the Draft committee, even if he was told he'd be a first round pick. He has until 1/15 to officially decide, so the timing of his announcement today could lead us to b
And what this tells us is that "who the hell knows what he'll decide."
Obviously, this decision has some repercussions for the Seahawks; if he declares there's always the outside chance the Seahawks will trade up into the top five and select Pete Carroll's former recruit, and if he stays, well then it pushes other candidates further into the top of the Draft most likely, and makes it more difficult for the Seahawks to find their guy in round one, sitting where they'll likely be sitting.
As we saw this week, as the current Draft order goes, the Colts would be picking first and almost surely taking Andrew Luck. Past that, the Vikings would pick at #2, the Rams #3, Jaguars #4, Browns #5, Buccaneers #6. Rouding out the top ten would be the Redskins, Panthers, Dolphins, and Bills. This pecking order, you have to believe, is at the front of Barkley's mind as he's mulled the decision as is the fact that his blind-side protector Matt Khalil has already declared his intentions to enter the NFL. Regardless, in a few short hours we'll find out what he's going to do.
Our own Scott Enyeart will be at the announcement presser covering the decision, so give him a follow on twitter to stay up on the action and aftermath live. Stay tuned...
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Follow the money
Any time you are projected to be a first round pick you gotta declare and enter the draft. Did he learn nothing at USC?
When will people realize that for an alpha athlete, money is not the first thing to take into account.
He’s from well off parents, is getting a degree from SC, and will likely be the first pick in next year’s draft. Plus, he has a legitimate shot at next year’s Heisman, making him one of college football’s legends, and the first 4 year starter in the history of one of college football’s greatest programs.
Plus, he could be the QB to weather the storm and help SC resume their spot atop the college football world when we all thought they would crumble and fall from grace.
But yeah, he could make money quicker. That should be the first thing he thinks about.
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 22, 2011 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
The only thing about the money is "2nd contract" He gets one year closer to his "2nd contract" but that's not a major issue.
A shot at a national title and a Heisman (both very realistic) are too good to pass up. He has had blue balls for two years with sanctions, this decision makes sense on a lot of levels.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Dec 22, 2011 2:17 PM PST up reply actions
And with QB's even more than other positions, age is less an issue. You have to assume 2nd and even 3rd contracts are eventualities, not questions.
(Assuming greatness.)
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 22, 2011 2:30 PM PST up reply actions
The answer to the question in your subject line is:
…when everyone in the world has watched this clip six times:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
by shams on Dec 22, 2011 2:36 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Brilliant. Thank you.
I love spending 10 minutes of my life watching something that leaves me feeling inspired and optimistic!
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 22, 2011 2:50 PM PST up reply actions
Isn't that amazing?
Really, really glad you liked it.
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
Yeah, that video's got some legs.
It stands upon the assumption that a person is more or less financially fine. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs still applies. If you are in dire financial straits it changes the equation a lot.
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Dec 22, 2011 3:15 PM PST up reply actions
I've thought about motivation a lot since Pete Carroll came to town.
I am certain I’m not the only ‘hawk fan who has had to endure lectures about Carroll’s “rah-rah style not going to work with professional athletes”. It’s a tedious argument, but it’s wrong in a very revealing way— the people who make it have a totally outdated worldview about motivation. The things that motivate twenty year olds and the things that movitate twenty eight year olds are not fundamentally different. Anybody who thinks Pete’s style is mere “rah-rah” that only works on young, unformed minds is just clueless.
Guys show up for Pete, every play, every practice, because he makes them believe in each other. I love it.
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
Agreed! And if you remember, the Rams high point with the "Greatest Show on Turf" was under Dick Vermeil, not Mike Martz.
Similar coaching style.
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 23, 2011 2:00 PM PST up reply actions
But without Vermeil's enthusiasm at the head of the ship, it sure sunk fast, didn't it?
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 23, 2011 8:56 PM PST up reply actions
ya...
I have to say I agree on this one
by seachicken101 on Dec 22, 2011 12:15 PM PST up reply actions
Hardly.
This was the “I am a favorite for the Heisman next year” presentation.
The Heisman is as much about media coverage as on the field performance. He just got a leg up on his competitors.
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 22, 2011 2:16 PM PST up reply actions
Interesting.
Ok, we live in a vain world and that’s a reasonable justification. Apart from that though, I think the charge sticks.
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
by shams on Dec 22, 2011 2:37 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
He also announced to recruits that USC isn't going anywhere but up, and that they should again come there, it's a hot ticket in town.
“See, we’re so good, a guy will STAY HERE, as opposed to going on to make millions instead.
I think it’s a very concerted intelligent move by the football program and Barkley. And given the media-hype surrounding these things in general, not a bad move. Plus, he can sit there for a while right then and there answering questions and get them all taken care of at once, instead of quietly declaring and fielding answers strung out over months about “the decision.”
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 22, 2011 2:57 PM PST up reply actions
You've obviously thought about things from a PR angle.
You’re right, Kiffin has to be fawning all over Barkley for this.
USC must be the clear Pac-12 favorite next year. Through all of the fuss I have grown somewhat fond of Matt Barkley himself, but I think I’d throw up in my mouth a little if Lane Kiffin brought home a championship.
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
I'm not advocating Mel Kiper or Todd McShay but I happened to catch a few minutes of Sportscenter this morning.
McShay actually projected Griffin at 7 and Barkley at 8. Kiper agreed with their placement on a “big board” (though maybe switching Griffin and Barkley) but assumes someone will trade up into the top 5 to grab one of those QBs, if not two teams doing so.
It makes sense. I will wait until the combine results to decide if Griffin > Barkley, but I have a sneaking suspicion that all three of these guys are studs. So if all three are in, better news for the Hawks.
follow @casetines
I'm excited to watch Griffin play against the huskies.
Should be very little defense in that game and a great time to flash the arm.
by the other side on Dec 22, 2011 10:14 AM PST up reply actions
Landry Jones
I think you have to add Landry Jones into the mix, as well. By draft day the conversation will be about how deep this draft is in QB talent. Teams will like different guys so the order could change. Maybe five QB’s go in round 1.
If Landry Jones goes in the first round...
…I soooooo hope Seattle has acquired a free agent by then. Nothing about that guy says “future NFL QB” to me.
"It's okay to have an open mind, just not so open that your brains fall out." - Carl Sagan (well, a lot of guys)
by Johnny Slick on Dec 22, 2011 10:48 AM PST up reply actions
I guess his name says "future NFL QB".
It’s a pretty cool name.
"It's okay to have an open mind, just not so open that your brains fall out." - Carl Sagan (well, a lot of guys)
by Johnny Slick on Dec 22, 2011 10:48 AM PST up reply actions
Its the name of an NFL QB that gets too cocky, is banished from the league, goes to play in the CFL, and returns at age 31 to lead a band of misfits to the playoffs.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Dec 22, 2011 10:56 AM PST up reply actions 6 recs
Awww. And here I thought it was the name of a college QB star that goes on to become an EFFF BEEE EYE AGENT!
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 22, 2011 2:18 PM PST up reply actions
If RG III stays, then only Luck is currently grading as a 1st round talent.
Landry has fallen way down many experts draft boards. He’s there in round II, but if RG III stays put in college too, then both Jones and Tanehill may go late in round 1, but I think he’s a reach anywhere in round 1.
by BlueThruAndThru on Dec 22, 2011 1:19 PM PST up reply actions
And Enyeart tweets that he hears Barkley will stay barring a last minute change of heart.
Sure, the Trojans have a real shot at a national title next year. Kalil may be gone, but they return their entire back 7 on defense.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Dec 22, 2011 10:40 AM PST reply actions
That took me a second to figure out.
Nice.
by djafrot on Dec 22, 2011 12:31 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Don't see it
I think USC will be good but they are getting thin on the lines. Below average running game to top it off. Personally this is the year to come out for him in my opinion.
Hurts the Hawks quest for a QB, one less potential star. Hawks can look to trade down if Luck/RG3 are gone. Pick up another first and look at 2013?
Jones has the arm and size but not the head at this point.
I’d still nose around Indy and see what kind of offer it takes for getting the top pick.
by Seahawcla on Dec 22, 2011 12:00 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
It's sounding more and more like he's headed back
So, basically all of Matt Barkley’s teammates are tweeting that Barkley’s coming back.
https://twitter.com/EyeOnNFL/status/149929306460651521
Well, I guess that means we won’t have to be pissed at the FO not trading up for the guy this year. Also, he’s likely to go #1 in 2013 and be far outside of our reach.
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Dec 22, 2011 11:13 AM PST reply actions
I hate to speculate on what will happen in the 2012 draft, let alone the 2013 draft.
I believe in Pete and John. No matter the situation, they’ll find the right guy.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Dec 22, 2011 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 3 recs
I believe that they exist too.
But I’m not sure why you’re so faithful in their ability to find a quarterback. These are the guys who thought Charlie was worth a third round pick.
One is not a large enough sample size.
They have tried to find a QB once and yes Charlie didn’t work out, but he was never supposed to be the savior of the franchise.
It's more than zero.
Which is what Kenneth is going off. I guess one could say that this Pete/JS have found talent before, but I’m not sure that translates to quarterback.
This doesn’t mean I think they CAN’T find a quarterback. It’s just that their efforts so far have netted us Jackson and Whitehurst.
Which is better than the efforts of say, Arizona, which got Max Hall (was that his name?), Skelton and Kolb at about 39 times the resource expenditure.
And they are not the only ones.
Jackson and Whitehurst are not that bad for a total expenditure of a 3rd round pick and 9 million or so a year.
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 22, 2011 2:24 PM PST up reply actions
That was also for a different offensive coordinator.
It wasn’t like Charlie was a first round draft pick. Seattle obviously overpaid for him no matter how you slice it, but he was a project to begin with. Not all projects work out. He was the solution to the problem of “what do we do if we have NO other options besides Derek Anderson?” Good thing we didn’t waste any time or money on Derek Anderson.
Going into this season, they didn’t waste anything on Kevin Kolb (THANK GOD!) and didn’t panic. Why should we panic? Tarvaris Jackson is a fine option for 2012 considering that he’ll have over a year on the team and a lot of time in Bevell’s system, so Jackson can play admirably in 2012. He’s getting more experience now than he ever had before, and that can’t be discounted.
Seattle can only work with what they are given. Don’t drop a boatload of cash on Matt Flynn just because people are panicking. Frankly, if they DO sign Flynn, I’ll be very encouraged only because Schneider should know everything about him and if he has confidence, then I will have confidence.
If Seattle never has another opportunity to draft a QB in the top 5 without trading up, it won’t come too soon. The Hawks will need to find a QBOTF creatively no matter how you slice it.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Dec 22, 2011 1:32 PM PST up reply actions
So in conclusion: slice stuff.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Dec 22, 2011 1:33 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I get that.
But why waste your time at all? Nothing about Charlie indicated he was worth much of anything, other than the fact we (and the Cardinals, who don’t seem to be model quarterback-evaluators, as you say) wanted him. Maybe it didn’t cost much, but we have seen what they can do with lower draft picks, and having Charlie here to sit and suck on the roster for two years kills the development time of some other quarterback.
I’m also a little confused by your love for Jackson. He doesn’t look very good for me, other than a placeholder for the future. But hey, why not another 8-8 season? I love mediocrity.
Because if you believe in the possibility of improvement, that the 5-1 record over the last six is a showing of that improvement, then you believe he could win 10 or 11 games next year.
Jackson is not a great quarterback. He may not even be a good quarterback. But what options do we have? He’s making far fewer mistakes now than he was in the beginning of the season. Trust me, I watched the SFO game last night and it was like a completely different person. He couldn’t even attempt a pass longer than 5 yards. His main issue right now is decision-making. Something that CAN get better after 13-14 months of working with the first team.
I don’t love Jackson, but everybody is complaining about it like we have so many choices. You may not like the peanut butter and jelly sandwich that you’re having for dinner, but we don’t have the option for turkey. If all things were equal and I just laid a buffet of choices in front of you, then sure, take the most appetizing entree, but you don’t have a buffet. You have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich until the opportunity for turkey presents itself.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Dec 22, 2011 1:50 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Wait, you're giving me a sandwich?!??! "Why ain't it toasted, beyotch?!?!?"
I wanted turkey, but you dare hand me a p&j and you’re not gonna toast it? Fuck you. I wanted it toasted. And what the fuck is with this bullshit wheat bread?!? And you didn’t take off the crusts? You bastard!!!!!
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 22, 2011 2:28 PM PST up reply actions
Just be happy I didn't give you a Mark Sanwich.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Dec 22, 2011 2:38 PM PST up reply actions
I want a panino. Or panini, or whatever the fuck it's called.
I want it with turkey and I’d like it right fucking now, please.
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
He was.
3rd round picks are not exactly locks to play in the NFL. He had upside, it didn’t work out. It wasn’t that high of a price.
If people continue to use that interesting attempt as a negative evaluation of the front office, it’s akin to a married couple who bring up shit that happened 15 years ago every time they have a disagreement about taking the trash out or doing the dishes.
Get over it, move on.
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 22, 2011 2:22 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
John Gottman's rules for FO marriages, page one
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
It's not just "finding" a QB, but coaching one up.
Most QBs don’t come into the NFL fully-formed; Tom Brady was still a dink-and-dunker for at least 2 of the 3 Patriot championship teams, more game manager than league MVP. Peyton Manning may have come in really really good, but he was better in 2009 than he was in 1999. Considering where we’re going to be picking, Pete & John may already be looking at a project over a finished product.
Also consider that Taravaris Jackson is a better QB now than when he was with the Vikings, and will probably be better (but still not THAT GOOD) a year from now .Let’s not get too worked up about first impressions.
is there any evidence that Pete would even want his old QB?
I know he recruited him and what not, but other than that is there any indication that Pete has a hard on for him?
If your ex is still the sexiest, greatest broad around, are you gonna let that stand in your way?
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
Just a small one.
I’ve been on the Barkley band wagon since early last year. I’m pretty dissappointed. I really hope we don’t reach for a QB this year now. RG3 is the onlyone I’d want to be taken in round 1.
that adds a wrinkle to next years draft
If RGIII doesn’t declare than luck is the only first round worthy QB
they took turns pissing into the bitch's ocular cavities.
This way to the cafeteria!
by stufr on Dec 22, 2011 1:15 PM PST via Android app reply actions 1 recs
Cam Newton got $22 million at 1, Blaine Gabbert got $12 million at #10.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Dec 22, 2011 4:45 PM PST up reply actions
How much of those deals were the QB premium?
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
Sorry, I'm not sure what you mean by this.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Dec 22, 2011 6:21 PM PST up reply actions
Apologies. Thought you could read minds.
I’m under the impression that rookie wage scale makes allowances for bonuses in rookie contracts if the player is at a premium position. Is that right? Another way to put it: what is first overall money at a non-QB position?
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
Do you suppose first round QB prospects ever intentionally hurt their draft stock in order to go to a better team?
Not necessarily hurt, but decline to improve? Like if Barkley declared this year without his Heisman and Bowl game?
No. Never. Ever.
If a QB really has a problem, he will bitch and moan like John Elway or Eli Manning.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Dec 22, 2011 6:21 PM PST up reply actions
See the subthread up above about Motivation.
Not going to happen.
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 23, 2011 2:02 PM PST up reply actions
So who are the geniuses on the draft committee
that gave him an unfavorable review?
He’d be a top ten pick without a doubt.
70% of space is covered by dark matter, the rest by ET.
just as well
there is some potential in the later rounds at QB between Cousins, Moore etc. now we can get pass rush or non-QB offensive help.
GET OFF ME!
I'd like to start establishing this:
Kellen Moore is a 6th round draft pick at best. For a reason. He may be an UDFA. That’s not a QBOTF. That’s a practice squad QB.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Dec 22, 2011 1:51 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Good news: he'll be available in 2012.
Bad news: yet another year without a future at quarterback.
Unless this FO can pull off some kind of trade miracle.
I say No to Peyton
We have one of the youngest teams in the league. It just doesnt make sense to trade up draft picks/young players to get a player who only has 2-3 good years left, if that.
If the Colts cut him and he becomes a FA, then that’s a different story…
by SeahawksPhan on Dec 22, 2011 1:56 PM PST up reply actions
What do we imagine a season's worth of insurance will run the Barkley family?
Pulling numbers completely out of my ass, as in elbow-deep….let’s say, a quarter-mil premiums, against a 14 mil payout in case of career-ending injury?
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
250k in 2011 money? I wonder how many guys have bought a Heisman trophy to hang on the mantle for that little?
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 22, 2011 2:59 PM PST up reply actions
You think more?
I guess we need to know what the “true odds” of injury are, and then, what is the standard vig. My figures put the true odds at 56/1 against career-ending injury (assuming no vig). You think that’s low?
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
I don't think you could get a betting line.
Yes, I think much less than 56-1. More like 500-1… which nobody would house. Name the last 4 year starter Draft top5 level QB who got hurt and undrafted. And if they did, my guess it was far more about them not being a legitimate NFL level QB than the actual injury…
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 23, 2011 2:05 PM PST up reply actions
Well, actuaries have to do exactly that, right?
Surely numbers on these deals have come out before.
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
I don't know, man.
My degree was English Teaching and my minor was basketball… math is.. not a focus point.
It’s funny, I say that, but I’m a methodical hold’em gambler who has a solid though not perfect eye for odds.
"Now I'm tired of this s---. I'm sick and f------ tired of an 8-10 record. I'm f------ tired of losing to Purdue. I'm not here to f--- around this week. Now you may be, but I'm not." -- Bobby Knight, circa 1992
by Tyler Jorgensen on Dec 23, 2011 8:58 PM PST up reply actions
career ending vs season ending and upside limiting?
career ending with current surgery and rehab is awfully unlikely, but if you had a 15 million payout if you could never come back from your ACL tear, there’s a bit of incentive not to be concussed for the next 15 years.
Smashmouth is the new sexy!
reply fail shams above
Smashmouth is the new sexy!
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