USC’s Barkley undergoes surgery on wrist
A four-loss season. The NCAA looking into potential violations. The program-building coach bolting for the NFL. And now its quarterback undergoing surgery.
Are the wheels coming off of USC’s football dynasty at a faster rate than even the critics could have predicted?
Not quite.
While QB Matt Barkley did undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist on Tuesday morning, the school stressed that the procedure was merely to relieve stiffness and clear up some inflammation. He is expected to fully participate in spring practice in late March.
As a true freshman last season, Barkley threw for over 2,700 yards and 15 touchdowns while missing one game because of a shoulder injury. The school never disclosed a wrist injury at any point during the season.
He showed flashes of brilliance in wins at Ohio State and Notre Dame, but also played like a first-year signal caller during lopsided losses to Oregon and Stanford.
After the transfer of Aaron Corp to Richmond, Barkley and one-time stud Mitch Mustain are the only Trojans on scholarship at the quarterback position for Kiffin.
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