Matt Barkley will return to USC for senior season

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USC quarterback Matt Barkley announced Thursday that he will return for a final college season.

Barkley made the announcement in front of a Christmas tree and flanked by six Heisman trophies during a packed news conference at USC’s Heritage Hall.

Barkley, a three-year starter and team captain, led USC to a 10-2 record this season and was projected as a top pick in the April draft. He finished sixth in balloting for the Heisman Trophy.

PHOTOS: Decision day for Matt Barkley

Barkley, 21, made his decision after consulting with coaches, former players, NFL personnel and agents and family and close friends.

‘I am staying so I can finish what I started,’ Barkley said to the cheers of USC students in attendance.

Barkley established a Pac-12 record this season by passing for 39 touchdowns. He also set a school record for completion percentage and single-game USC records for touchdowns, completions, passing yardage and total offense.

Barkley was the last of four prominent USC juniors to announce his decision about their futures.
All-American left tackle Matt Kalil and defensive end Nick Perry are turning pro. All-American safety T.J. McDonald announced Wednesday that he would return for his senior season.

PHOTOS: Great quarterbacks in USC history

Barkley’s news conference marked the third time since 2005 that a Trojan quarterback held court in Heritage Hall to announce a decision about returning or turning pro.

In 2005, Matt Leinart said he would return to USC, drawing cheers in a packed lounge. In 2009, Mark Sanchez announced he would enter the NFL draft, creating an awkward scene with former coach Pete Carroll, who said publicly that he disagreed with the decision.

More later at latimes.com/sports.

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If you were Matt Barkley, would you turn pro or stay at USC?

-- Gary Klein