USC football: Nick Perry makes statement on entering NFL draft

USC defensive end Nick Perry issued a statement Tuesday about his decision to forgo his final college season and enter the NFL draft.

The Times reported last week that Perry had informed coaches of his decision, but the junior from Michigan has declined interview requests.

"After much consideration, I have decided to forgo my college football career and declare for the draft," Perry said in the statement released through USC. "I have thought long and hard about this decision and I have come to the conclusion that this is the best decision for me at this moment.

"Over the years, I have matured and learned what it takes to be a Trojan and for that I would like to thank the Trojan family. I understand that I have chance at being a part of something great next season with the Trojans, but this opportunity doesn't come around every day. I am confident in my decision and I am ready for this long and hard journey in the next phase of my career."

Perry led the Pac-12 Conference with 9½ sacks.

USC is still awaiting word from two other prominent draft-eligible juniors -- quarterback Matt Barkley and safety T.J. McDonald -- about whether they will return for a final college season or turn pro.

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Photo: Nick Perry tries to deflet a pass against Utah. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

USC football: Lane Kiffin backs Matt Kalil's decision to turn pro

USC tackle Matt Kalil, who told The Times on Thursday that he would forgo a final season and enter the NFL draft, has the support of Trojans Coach Lane Kiffin.

"All of us at USC wish Matt Kalil the best as he takes this next step in his career," Kiffin said in a statement. "Matt was thorough in his research and made a decision that is the right one for him.  We fully support that decision and we told him so. He is ready for the NFL. He will be a very high draft pick and will have a long, successful career."

Kalil also released a statement through USC on Friday.

"The decision to leave USC after my junior year was not an easy one to make," he said. "I love this university. That's why it took a while to decide. I wanted to look at both sides of the decision and talk to a number of people. Ultimately, I sat down with my family, including my father and brother who both know the pro football experience, and I made the decision that is best for me.

USC football: All-American lineman Matt Kalil will enter NFL draft

USC offensive lineman Matt Kalil has decided to forgo a final season with the Trojans and will make himself available for the NFL draft, Kalil said Thursday night.

Kalil, a 6-foot-7 All-American left tackle, had been projected by some to be the first lineman taken if he declared for the April draft.

"It was definitely a tough decision because I love SC," Kalil said. "But it’s a special opportunity. It’s time to move on."

Kalil was one of four juniors weighing whether to turn pro or to return to the Trojans. Quarterback Matt Barkley, safety T.J. McDonald and end Nick Perry have not announced their decisions, though Perry is expected to turn pro.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, citing sources, first reported Kalil's decision Thursday night.

More later at latimes.com/sports

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Photo: Matt Kalil. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times.

USC football: Matt Kalil selected to Walter Camp All-America team

USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil was selected to the Walter Camp All-America team and Trojans receiver Robert Woods was a second-team selection.

Kalil, who plays left tackle, did not give up a sack this season. The Trojans allowed only eight sacks, tied for fewest in the nation.

Woods caught 111 passes and scored 15 touchdowns in 12 games.

Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State, who had 113 receptions and 15 touchdowns, and Ryan Broyles of Oklahoma (83 catches, 10 touchdowns in nine games) were selected to the first team.

More later at latimes.com/sports.

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Photo: Trojans offensive tackle Matt Kalil. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

USC football: Pat Haden says Matt Barkley is in 'no hurry'

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

 

USC football: Matt Barkley selected as team MVP

Quarterback Matt Barkley was announced as USC's most valuable player at the Trojans' football awards banquet Monday night.

Barkley passed for 39 touchdowns, with seven interceptions, and helped lead the Trojans to a 10-2 record. He established school and conference records for touchdowns in a season.

Barkley had hoped to be among the finalists for the Heisman Trophy, but he was not among the five players announced Monday. They were: Wisconsin running back Montee Ball, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu and Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

Here is a list of USC team award winners:

Most Valuable Player: quarterback Matt Barkley
Most Inspirational Player: defensive tackle Christian Tupou
Leadership Award: fullback Rhett Ellison
Linemen of the Year: offensive tackle Matt Kalil, defensive end Nick Perry
Perimeter Players of the Year: wide receiver Robert Woods, safety T.J. McDonald
Special Teams Player of the Year: fullback Ross Cumming
Service Team Players of the Year: offensive guard Cyrus Hobbi, linebacker Anthony Sarao
Player of the Game versus Notre Dame: cornerback Nickell Robey
Player of the Game versus UCLA: wide receiver Marqise Lee
Jack Oakie “Rise and Shine” Award (year’s longest run): tailback Curtis McNeal (79 yards vs. Washington)
Howard Jones/Football Alumni Club Academic Award (overall academic achievement): linebacker Augusto Alonso
Bob Chandler Award (underclassman with outstanding athletic ability, academic achievement and character): linebacker Hayes Pullard
John McKay Award (underclassman with the most competitive spirit): Robey
Joe Collins Walk-on Award: punter Kyle Negrete
Courage Award: tailback Curtis McNeal
Co-Lifters Award: Ellison, safety Jawanza Starling

--Gary Klein

Photo: Quarterback Matt Barkley celebrates USC's 50-0 victory over UCLA at the Coliseum. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

USC football: Matt Barkley meets with Lane Kiffin and Pat Haden

USC quarterback Matt Barkley and his parents met Monday with Coach Lane Kiffin and Athletic Director Pat Haden to discuss his impending decision about whether to turn pro or return to USC for a final season.

"By no means did I come to any conclusions today," Barkley said in a statement. "It was just the start of us gathering the facts.  There is a long way to go in this process and no timetable.  When I make my decision, I will let everyone know."

Barkley was not among the finalists announced Monday for the Heisman Trophy.

Wisconsin running back Monte Ball, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, Louisiana State defensive back Tyrann Mathieu and Alabama running back Trent Richardson are finalists for an award that will be presented Saturday in New York.

Minutes after the announcement, Barkley wrote on his Twitter feed: "Congrats to all the Heisman finalists, what a great year of football!"

Later, in a statement he said: "Congratulations to all the Heisman finalists. They are all great players, and I wish them the best this Saturday and with the rest of their football careers.  I thought we gave it a good run this year to get an invitation to New York for the ceremony, but more importantly I am really excited that our team's accomplishments are being recognized."

USC finished fifth in the final Associated Press media poll.

More later at latimes.com/sports.

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Photo: USC Coach Lane Kiffin discusses a play with quarterback Matt Barkley during a game this season. Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

USC football: Matt Barkley not among Heisman Trophy finalists

USC quarterback Matt Barkley was not among the finalists announced Monday for the Heisman Trophy.

Wisconsin running back Monte Ball, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, Louisiana State defensive back Tyrann Mathieu and Alabama running back Trent Richardson are finalists for an award that will be presented Dec. 10 in New York.

Barkley passed for 39 touchdowns, with seven interceptions, and led the Trojans to a 10-2 record.

USC is not eligible to participate in a bowl game because of NCAA sanctions related to former Heisman winner Reggie Bush. The sanctions made USC ineligible for the Pac-12 Conference title game, which would have given Barkley a final opportunity to sway Heisman voters last Friday.

Barkley, a junior, was making a push for Heisman consideration after dynamic performances against Oregon and UCLA.

Barkley passed for four touchdowns in the Trojans' 38-35 upset of Oregon at Eugene, Ore.

He passed for six touchdowns in a 50-0 rout of UCLA, tying his own school record for touchdown passes in a game and breaking the Pac-12 record of 38 touchdown passes in a season set by Heisman winner Matt Leinart in 2003.

Barkley is weighing whether to make himself available for the NFL draft or return for a final college season.

More later at latimes.com/sports

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Photo: Matt Barkley during the 50-0 win over UCLA. Credit: Associated Press.

USC football: Matt Barkley's nominees for the Heisman Trophy

USC quarterback Matt Barkley does not have a vote for the Heisman Trophy, there are three names he would like to see on his ballot: Alabama running back Trent Richardson, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and, well, Matt Barkley.

"I don't know if there's an order," he said in an interview, grinning. "I haven't watched all those games. … Not everyone gets to watch me either. The UCLA game was on at 10 o'clock on the East Coast. Who's going to stay up and watch that?"

Barkley tied his own school record by passing for six touchdowns in the Trojans’ 50-0, season-ending victory over UCLA. He finished with a Pac-12 Conference record 39 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.

Barkley hopes to be among the Heisman finalists when the winner is announced Dec. 10 in New York.

"I definitely think I should be in the running," Barkley said. "It's been a dream of mine and something I set at the beginning of this year to accomplish."

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Photo: Matt Barkley celebrates after USC defeated UCLA, 50-0. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

 

USC quarterback Matt Barkley has become a Tim Tebow fan

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow might be a polarizing figure, but he has lately added another member to his fan base: USC’s Matt Barkley.

Despite criticism over his lack of a prototypical NFL skill-set, Tebow has led the Broncos to a 5-1 record since becoming the starter, including a 16-13 overtime victory over the San Diego Chargers last week.

"I find it so intriguing," said Barkley, who passed for 39 touchdowns this season. "I haven’t really respected his quarterback play for the longest time just because I like typical drop-back quarterbacks, that’s just who I am.

"I mean, I loved Matt Ryan when he was in college. But I love Tim for who he is and for how he’s a gamer. He wins games. No matter how he does it, I mean, he’s doing it and that’s what you want to do when you’re playing football."

Tebow won the Heisman Trophy in 2007. As Barkley told me in this report, he is hoping to be among the Heisman finalists when the winner is announced Dec. 10 in New York.

Like Tebow, Barkley has a strong Christian faith.

"I think he does it in a good manner, to where he stands up for what he believes in," Barkley said of Tebow. "I think now that he’s finally putting his work on the field he’s getting a little more respect for it."

Barkley is weighing whether to return to USC for a final collegiate season or to make himself available for the NFL draft.

If he returns to the Trojans, Barkley said he would not use the platform for evangelical purposes.

"That’s not my personality," he said. "I’m not so outspoken like that. I’ve always kind of been somebody who keeps to myself. I would keep the same platform I have, speaking to people, to kids, but not much more than after a game saying, 'Praise God.' I don’t think I’d take it that far."

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Photo: Matt Barkley. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez / U.S. Presswire

USC's Marqise Lee, Dion Bailey are Pac-12 freshmen of year

USC receiver Marqise Lee and linebacker Dion Bailey were selected as  Pac-12 Conference offensive and defensive freshmen of the year, the league announced Monday.

Lee, who shared the honor with Oregon freshman De'Anthony Thomas, caught 73 passes for 1,143 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Trojans, who finished 10-2 after last Saturday's 50-0 rout of UCLA.

Bailey tied for the team lead with 81 tackles, including two sacks. He also intercepted two passes.

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Sophomore receiver Robert Woods, junior offensive tackle Matt Kalil, junior defensive end Nick Perry, junior safety T.J. McDonald, sophomore cornerback Nickell Robey, freshman kicker Andre Heidari and senior fullback-special teams player Rhett Ellison were selected first-team All-Pac-12.

Lee, Bailey, junior quarterback Matt Barkley, junior center Khaled Holmes and junior defensive end Wes Horton were second-team selections.

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck was offensive player of the year, California linebacker Mychal Kendricks defensive player of the year.

Stanford's David Shaw was coach of the year.

More later at latimes.com/sports.

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Photo: Trojans receiver Marqise Lee finishes off a 52-yard touchdown pass play against Sheldon Price and UCLA in the third quarter Saturday night at the Coliseum. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times