USC football: Matt Barkley to reveal decision at news conference

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USC quarterback Matt Barkley will announce whether he will return for a final college season or make himself available for the NFL draft at a news conference Thursday afternoon at USC.

Barkley, who led USC to a 10-2 record this season, is projected as a top pick in the April draft.

The junior from Newport Beach is the last of four prominent Trojans juniors to announce his plans.

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.

This will be the third time since 2005 that USC will hold a press conference to announce a quarterback’s decision.

In 2005, Matt Leinart said he would return to USC. In 2009, Mark Sanchez announced he would enter the NFL draft.

More later at latimes.com/sports.

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— Gary Klein