Comments on: Barkley to Tennessee? Notre Dame?

By: brad m.

brad m. — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:22:51 +0000

Geez...easy there JMO...you gotta understand there's a lot of uncertainty in Knoxville right now. So you should be able to understand people trying to find the truth to rumors. Most of the time they don't come true but sometimes they do. That is enough times to at least check into it. I know you are an S.C. fan and are proud of it, but don't be offended by the rumor. Calling someone dillusional from your computer desk shows a lack of respect for that person as well as a hint of megalomania. Good luck in the Rose Bowl.

By: Just MY Opinion

Just MY Opinion — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:32:34 +0000

Marcus, I understand you probably follow the Tennesse football program very closely and you probably believe what your sources are telling you about Barkley possibly being interested in backing out of his commitment to USC.
But out here, your assumptions seem pretty weak and slightly delusional.
The Barkleys have committed to USC from Day 1, and unless Pete Carroll leaves for the NFL, that doesn't seem likely to change.
As for comparing Mr. Barkley to Nick Saban, that's ridiculous.
Nick Saban is a snake, and you should know that if you truly follow college football.
I don't know Mr. Barkley, but from all that I have heard about him and his son, I would take them at their word 100 percent of the time.
So now you're up to speed. You can go back to chasing rumors about Monte Kiffin and Coach O being part of the new Vols staff -- those rumors seem a lot more believable.

By: Marcus

Marcus — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:54:36 +0000

I write a blog for UT athletics and my sources say that Kiffin has been in contact with Barkley and that he is at least mulling the idea. My first thought after you called his coach was:
A. Rollinson was probably correct in his facts as he cited to you. HOWEVER, remember Tennessee just backed off of Boyd 2 days ago so the information Rollinson has may not be current...especially since Kiffin has only been on the job since Monday!
B. 99.99% is fine and dandy, but it sounds like Rollison is speaking from his OPINION and not fact. Listing reasons why he would "prefer" USC over the Vols really doesn't clarify much. I've seen a number of recruits that said they were all Vol turn and leave. Same with USC and other programs.

Please keep us to speed on what you hear from Barkley's father but remember, just because he say's its not true, doesn't mean it isn't true! Just ask Nick Saban who said he wasn't taking the Alabama job.

By: Insurance Dude

Insurance Dude — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:00:47 +0000

I was not trying to knock the rest of the MD team. But since you mentioned it, I saw Matt rushed quite a bit by blitzes that were not picked up real well by what was not the most athletic MD O-Line. His receivers this year were talented (I really liked the sophomore's speed) but I saw a lot of deflected passes off of hands and shoulder pads. I only saw the Centenial, Carson, O-LU and Tesoro games, so you are right, I didn't see the entire picture.

I guess my point is that I hope Matt does not change his mind on his SC commitment and that I feel very fortunate to have been able to see Matt play up close and personal, much like I felt lucky to have watched Matt Grootegoed (best Prep football player I've ever seen) play in high school. We are blessed to have such a tremendous talent pool here in the OC. If your son plays for MD than you have an extremely talented football player and you should be very proud of your Monarch.

By: FOOTBALL1

FOOTBALL1 — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:42:58 +0000

Insurance dude you weren't at the same games I was at. ..and I was at every one! Yes, Matt is a good quarterback...but he still is a high school quarterback and with that comes the interceptions and rushed passes. Don't blame it all on the receivers...there were passes that not even Crabtree/Texas Tech couldn't have reached. Everyone on MD's team worked hard...from service teams to starters. Give them all their kudos and don't blame one or the other for MD"s demise.

By: Insurance Dude

Insurance Dude — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:52:59 +0000

I can understand if Matt's confidence has been shaken this year, however, after watching him play, I can tell you that he has ALL of the goods. His passes are so crisp and sharp and are released so quick that it is difficult for high school level receivers to handle them. He makes his progressions so quick that often his receivers are just coming out of thier routes when the ball is coming to them. Last year, he had the benefit of having his cousin to throw to. Hopefully he does not make the mistake of a Jimmy Clausen, who let his family's arrogance leak into his decision making. SC is where he belongs. It is one of the last power programs that run a pro style offense that Matt can thrive in. I don't see him running a spread and think that would be the death of him. Kiffen will undoubtedly go to a more open / spread - type of offense to compete in the SEC and I don't need to say anything more to what has been said about Weiss' offense.

Listen to your father Matt and stick with your gut!! SC is where you belong!!