The true freshman Matt Barkley, 18 yrs. old, from So Cal power house HS Mater Dei. was named by Pete C. as QB starter, on Thur. Mater Dei has a history of great teams and especially QB, who have excelled in college and pros. Interesting the only true freshman to ever start for Mater Dei, was Matt Barkley. Not Leinart or other greats from the past. The long time head coach at Mater Dei, said Matt was the coolest and smartest of any player ever at Mater Dei. Plus he has the strongest arm. This is why he was rated the number 1 HS QB in the nation. I have seen him play,my grandson played for San Clemente and they played Mater Dei, Matt was a man playing against boy's. Anyway, from a ND viewpoint, I was hoping Pete would go with Aaron Corp, the more experienced redshirt Soph. I know the normonal thing is never play a true Freshmen, especially a 18 yr. old, But this kid is the exception, with the strongest arm you will ever see. A cool customer,smart,and has the best OL in the country in front of him. He is a gun slinger type QB, who thinks he can thread the needle, thru a slight opening, thus the only weakness would be interceptions. But, you know Pete will keep him very limited on passing, and use the powerful running game to the max. USC only weakness this year could be the defense, after losing six to the pros. You heard it hear first, Matt will be one of the best ever at USC. Damm it! Go Irish.