Barkley named USC starting quarterback

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USC Coach Pete Carroll apparently could not wait.

Carroll announced today that freshman Matt Barkley was the Trojans’ starting quarterback.

Barkley was chosen over third-year sophomore Aaron Corp, who won the job in spring practice but suffered a leg injury early in training camp. Corp returned to full-speed workouts on Tuesday and said he was ready to play.

Carroll had indicated that the quarterbacks would continue to be evaluated through Saturday, when the Trojans have their final scrimmage.

‘He’s the starting quarterback at USC -- it’s not a one-game deal,’ Carroll said in a statement. ‘He seized the opportunity that was in front of him and took control. He deserves all the credit in the world and we expect nothing but great things from him.’

Barkley will be the first true freshman quarterback to start an opener for the Trojans when he takes the field against San Jose State on Sept. 5 at the Coliseum.

I’ll have more shortly at latimes.com/sports

--Gary Klein