Matt Barkley’s twitter account displayed just one message on February 3rd. “It feels like Christmas”, he said, in reference to the offensive talent committed to USC on Signing Day. He correctly acknowledged the gifts that would bring a smile to any quarterback’s face. But looking forward to the 2010 season, to whom do they belong?

Barkley leaped into the starting position last fall, benefiting from an injury sustained by would-be starter Aaron Corp, and holding off Mitch Mustain in practice. Odds were in favor of him leading the Trojans again in 2010, being that no appointed quarterback under Pete Carroll had ever been replaced as a starter for reasons other than injury. The sophomore still clearly has the edge, but with the Carroll departure and Kiffin hire, he has no guarantee.  Gathering Kiffin’s words during a sit-down with the Orange County Register, had change come a year earlier, Barkley probably wouldn’t have played at all.

Lane Kiffin didn’t hesitate to call a team meeting and make it clear that all positions are now open for evaluation. When asked if this also pertained to Matt Barkley, the new coach answered by saying, “he was in the room with everyone else”. He also admits to not knowing much about him, only seeing him maybe once or twice on television. But he knows he was a true freshman, made a lot of mistakes, and went on to say “that’s why you don’t play them”.

You may recall during the quarterback battle last spring that it was Kiffin who stated in an interview from the Tennessee campus that he believed Barkley would be named the starter, and for no other reason than Carroll liking to do things never done before. That “thing” was to make Barkley the first true freshman quarterback to ever start for USC.

There’s one Trojan now in position to take full advantage of the coaching change. That’s Mitch Mustain, who was buried so deep on the old depth chart that he eventually took punting into consideration. It was Kiffin’s offense that lured the quarterback to transfer from Arkansas, after John David Booty led USC to a 50-14 victory in Fayetteville. Now four years into the program, the former Parade All American is finally granted the opportunity to work and compete in a Kiffin offense.

Barkley still has a stranglehold on the starting position, but will he be able to maintain it through struggles? Carroll remained true to his quarterback, despite escalating interception totals and perpetually poor third down performances. He appeared determined to groom a quarterback for greater victories tomorrow, even if it meant sacrificing today. With Kiffin now placed in a pressure cooker that demands instant results, you have to wonder if he is willing to do the same.