USC football: Pat Haden says Matt Barkley is in ‘no hurry’
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After meeting with Matt Barkley and his parents, USC Athletic Director Pat Haden said the quarterback was ‘a savvy kid’ and that he expected Barkley would make an informed decision regarding his future.
Haden and Coach Lane Kiffin met with Barkley and his parents on Monday, just after the announcement of the Heisman Trophy finalists. Barkley was not among the five players invited to New York for Saturday’s Heisman ceremony.
Barkley is weighing whether to turn pro or to return to USC for a final season.
‘He’s in no hurry,’ Haden said. ‘I met with him and I have no idea what decision he’s going to make.’
Haden said Barkley would consider ‘extremely good advice’ from a variety of sources before making a decision. Players have until mid-January to declare for the draft.
‘I just said, ‘You know the advantages of going, we all recognize those. If you come back, here are the advantages,’’ Haden said. ‘He’s aware of those too.
‘Hes a savvy kid. He knows both sides.... So he’s got finals coming up, he’s going to get those behind him and then I think he’s going to be reflective. He’s not going to rush into it and I think he’s going to make a very thoughtful decision.’
--Gary Klein