Barkley Wins Starting Job with Golden California Locks

When Matt Barkley was named the Southern Cal starting quarterback on Thursday, nobody was surprised. Even those who had not witnessed a single snap from USC camp, nor had followed the progress of the three-way quarterback competition between Barkley, Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain. So why did so many people see this one coming? USC has not only produced some of the finest college quarterbacks this decade. They've produced some of the prettiest as well.

From the moment we first saw Barkley's golden hair and determined, photo shoot stare in those Rivals and Scout photos, we knew. It wasn't even fair.

The Trojans have churned out some outstanding quarterbacks this decade. There are some tough acts to follow in that group and as long as the list continues to grow, their successors will face a progressively steeper mountain to climb. Years of exceptional recruiting has gone into compiling such an impressive list of quarterbacks. What's their secret? USC scouts place extra importance on their quarterbacks' looks. And it's paid off.

The benefits of this system go beyond the raw confidence that these quarterbacks bring to the field. There is the influx of female fans that attend games. Calendars and appearances in GQ bring the program some added exposure. It opens up the window for unique team sponsorship opportunities from companies like Bed Head, Banana Boat and others providing products that make up that essential laidback California look.

I'm sure that Barkley's performance in spring practice and, more notably, in camp had a little something to do with his ascension to the top of the depth chart. I am, after all, a realist. But when you have a system that hasn't failed this decade, then why change suit now?

Carson Palmer got things started in 1998. He would go on to win the Heisman Trophy in 2002 and was selected first-overall in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He gave new life to the Bengals and was featured in an ill-advised hot dog advertisement.

Next up was Matt Leinart, who took over in 2003 as a sophomore. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2004 and was drafted 10th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He partied with some ASU girls in a hot tub and dated Paris Hilton since his arrival in the NFL.

John David Booty, who many believed would eventually beat out Leinart once he learned the offense, took the reigns as a junior in 2006 after Leinart's departure. He played two seasons as the Trojans starting quarterback, winning two Rose Bowls. While at SC, his last name prompted some women to get creative in their support of the Trojans.

Then came Mark Sanchez, who, like his predecessors, waited patiently for his opportunity. Sanchez started only one season for the Trojans, winning the Rose Bowl before being selected fifth overall by the New York Jets. He posed for GQ in the offseason.

Matt Barkley will be the first Trojan to start the season opener as a true freshman, meaning he's already made Trojans history. There are a few tough acts he has to follow, but Barkley's obvious talent will make him the face of the USC offense. He also seems to have that unflappable football confidence that makes so many quarterbacks great. Expect to see Barkley under center in the Coliseum for the next few years.

Danny Hobrock is a sports journalist who primarily covers college football and professional baseball. He is a contributor for several sports related blogs and is the former editor of a political and current events website.