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Matt Barkley made headlines Sept. 5 in a game against San Jose State at the Coliseum, when he became the first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener for USC.
His legacy in Trojans lore was cemented a week later when, a few days after his 19th birthday and in front of more than 106,000 fans at Ohio State, and despite a painful bruised shoulder that would cause him to miss the next game, he led a dramatic fourth-quarter drive to help USC pull out an 18-15 victory.
Since returning to the starting lineup a week after the Trojans' only defeat, at Washington, Barkley has provided a spark and led USC to three consecutive victories, including impressive road wins over California and Notre Dame. In the game against the Irish, while outplaying his friend and Heisman Trophy candidate Jimmy Clausen, Barkley passed for a career-high 380 yards and two touchdowns as the Trojans held on for a 34-27 victory to remain firmly entrenched in the BCS title chase.
In a poll of Heisman Trophy voters conducted by HeismanPundit.com last week, Barkley emerged at No. 13 on the list. He paused recently during a break between classes to talk to Jeff Fellenzer, a former Times staff writer, now an adjunct professor at USC's Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism.
Barkley was a student in Fellenzer's "Sports, Business and Media" class last spring.
Question: What was your reaction when you heard your name mentioned for the first time in a Heisman Trophy poll?
Answer: My jaw just dropped when I heard about it, I wasn't expecting that at all. It's an honor to have my name on the list, but I'm really not focusing on that or thinking about that right now. I could have a bad game next week and be right off the list again. It's cool, it's an honor, but it's not at the top of my list right now. It's about winning.
Q: Is winning the Heisman Trophy one of your goals while you're in college?
A: Absolutely. Regardless of the trophy and all that stuff, I wanna be the best . . . and that trophy happens to be given to the best. I always strive to be the greatest player on the field. That is a goal of mine, to get to the point where I feel like I'm the best player in the country. And if I'm the best, at the top of my game, there's no reason we shouldn't be the best team in the country. I feel like we've been so dominant over the last couple of years, but that title's been lacking. So to bring that title back to USC -- for our program, for Coach Carroll -- that's definitely a goal.
Q: You've played in an unusual number of big road games already -- Ohio State, Notre Dame, Cal -- with Oregon this week and Arizona State still to come. What's been the best road atmosphere you've experienced so far?
A: The best atmosphere was Notre Dame -- because of the stadium, playing in a historic venue, the rivalry. . . . I thought the fans were awesome, crazy but respectful. Ohio State was super hostile, the fans were loud and it was insane. When our bus was heading through campus the day of the game, they were yelling, throwing things, and we were getting certain hand gestures that were quite inappropriate. [Laugh] The fans were pumped, it was nuts the whole game, nonstop. Two different styles among the fan base.
Q: What have you heard about the atmosphere at Autzen Stadium?
A: I've just heard it's loud with that overhang, the sound kind of reverberates. There aren't a ton of people there, but they're all screaming, they're all crazy. The stands are pretty tight to the sidelines where the players are. They'll [the fans] try to jaw with you and say stuff. But it won't be hard to block all that out. It really doesn't matter when we're on the line of scrimmage. The receivers might not be able to hear me, but they go on movement anyway. I don't think it will be that big of a deal.
Q: It almost seems like you relish the challenges of playing in hostile environments.
A: I love challenges. I think it almost elevates my game when I have a challenge. Not that I play worse at home, but for some reason with away games I can just forget about everything and concentrate on the game.
Q: Let's set the record straight about your size. The media guide lists you as 6 feet 2, 230 pounds. But you seem taller than that. What's the deal?
A: I'm 6-3 . . . maybe 6-2 and 11/12ths. [Laugh] I say I'm 6-3, about 225 right now.
Q: What's been the best thing so far about being the quarterback at USC?
A: Being able to do what I've always wanted to do. I can't stand sitting and watching, it's just not part of me. I've always wanted to play. I love being on the field. Maybe down the line after college, there'll be a time for me to sit and watch. But as the starting quarterback now, I'm loving the fact I get to play.
Q: It seems like you've been able to assume a definite leadership role on a veteran team, even as a true freshman.
A: Just being in the position of the starting quarterback has allowed me to do that, regardless of my age. In a sense it was kind of placed on me, as the starting quarterback for one of the best teams in the country. It's my job to live up to it and express those leadership qualities, which I love doing. Guys respect me, I think, just in how I play.
Q: Have you experienced any special moments when your older teammates really showed faith in you as a leader?
A: At Ohio State, right before we got the ball back for that fourth-quarter drive, [linebacker] Chris Galippo and [safety] Taylor Mays each came up to me at different times, saying, 'We're gonna get the ball back for you. We believe in you.' That was confirmation for me right there, getting all the guys in the mind-set that it doesn't matter who we are or what age we are, hey, we can do this. But I'll remember those two guys coming up and saying that stuff. That was pretty cool.
Q: Has it been a challenge to push guys three or four years older than you?
A: I don't think so. I think it's progressed, though, and gotten easier and easier as the weeks have gone by. I guess it's confidence. At first I wasn't sure if they would listen to me, but I think after I've kinda proven myself, then what I do say has validity now and they trust me.
Q: What stands out among the things you've learned so far from Pete Carroll?
A: I love everything he says and I try to apply everything, and even try to echo him in interviews . . . just because they're the right things to say. [Laugh] We have three rules: 'Be early' -- it can apply to everything, to class, to outside settings, but especially for football. It shows respect. 'Don't whine, don't complain, don't make excuses,' from Coach [John] Wooden. These all can apply off the field, too. 'Protect the team.' It's simple, but it goes a long way. Also 'protect the ball' is a huge part of the philosophy. It's made me change for the better, just being mindful that if we have control of the ball, obviously they don't . . . and they can't score. That's been a huge thing. Competing is another central theme of the program. I've always been a competitor, but just to hear that reinforced every day, and to have the defense hearing it, too, so they're competing right back . . . it's making me a better player. Being even-keeled, not underestimating your opponents, treating them the same every week. I love all that stuff he says.
Q: Do any of those points resonate more than the others?
A: Coach talks a lot about focusing on ourselves. Obviously we watch film to learn about the opponent, but if we take care of what we need to do, everything else will fall into place.
Q: After Aaron Corp was designated the starting quarterback in late April, you were always quoted as saying that you were still going to compete to be the starter. In your heart of hearts, did you really believe that you could win the job as a true freshman?
A: Yes. They told me that the job was open when they were recruiting me, when I was on my official [recruiting] visit, when Mark [Sanchez] left, they told me that in the spring, then after they declared Aaron the starter, they told me that in the summer, even in fall camp. Those were my intentions the whole time, to win the job. I like setting high goals. I knew it was achievable. It was just how hard I wanted to work, and how much time I wanted to put in to get it accomplished. I kept my mind on it, kept focused on it, didn't talk too much about it, but I knew there was a high chance of being able to do that [start].
Q: Were you surprised when you were officially chosen the starter?
A: I wasn't surprised at the decision, but I was surprised at the timing. I didn't expect it to happen then. But Coach said, 'We need to get you going and get the team around you.' It was sweet, a dream come true. Pretty amazing.
Q: Who did you talk to first after you got the news?
A: I called my dad. I think he was in a meeting, or about to go into a meeting. He said, 'Hold on, lemme call you back.' I said, 'Uh, Dad, it's kind of important.' [laugh] So I talked to him for like a minute, then he had to go. He was stoked, and called me right back. I think he said, 'No way.' That's right, he just said, 'No way' . . .
Q: How does being the starting quarterback as a freshman at USC compare to being the starter at Mater Dei High as a 14-year-old freshman in 2005?
A: I really do think that was harder, coming from, like, Pop Warner, and playing in one of the best high school football leagues in the country. It's definitely a lot harder to speak up to older people at that age -- for anyone, regardless of whether you're playing football or not. I've always been a leader by example, so being vocal is something I've tried to work on, and it still is today. I've matured a lot since I was 14. I'm a man now. As you get older, the age difference shrinks. Especially coming here in the spring, I got that little head start. But I think high school was a little harder to do. It's easier now.
Q: Do you ever kid around with tailback Allen Bradford about the time he broke your collarbone during a second-round CIF playoff game against Colton High when you were a freshman at Mater Dei?
A: He was one of the best linebackers in the nation at that time. He came off the right side, untouched, I just threw a hot route in the flat, kinda off my back foot, and literally he just stuck his helmet under my pads and lifted me off the ground. I flew back a couple of yards, and my feet were above my head. It wasn't the impact on the hit, it was the impact from the force when I hit the ground. He didn't land on me, he just stuck me and it snapped. I couldn't play in the semifinals, we lost . . . but we did beat him that game, so I do have a little leverage against him [laugh]. I saw him the next spring or summer. My mom went up to him and faked hitting him, then gave him a hug. It was funny. We still joke about it.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence on your football career?
A: My father [Les]. He was a water polo player at USC [1976-79]. The wisdom that he's imparted, how he has challenged me to be the best I can be. He was a huge presence for me growing up. He coached my soccer teams, Little League teams, just being part of my life was huge. He's awesome in how he handles things. He knows the best decisions for me to make, and he always told me never to be satisfied.
Q: What's your earliest recollection of wanting to be the starting quarterback at USC?
A: I think there's video footage of when I was, like, 3 years old, saying, "I'm going to be the starting quarterback for the Trojans." I always loved the sport, always liked being in command. I played center-midfield in soccer, pitcher in baseball, and always wanted to play quarterback . . . then decided that soccer just wasn't going to cut it. [laugh]
Q: How have things changed for you on the USC campus, where football is such an important part of the culture, since you arrived last spring?
A: Not a lot has changed. No one really knew me in the spring, my face wasn't in the newspaper and on TV. I do get the stares walking by sometimes now, acting like they're texting or taking pictures. But no weird encounters. I haven't really been able to go out to parties or anything because of my schedule, nothing crazy there. I see people's lips moving, mouthing my name, then other people look. Kinda funny. [laugh] I try to be as nice as I can to the fans, they deserve it. I think our fan base is awesome. I was just returning some fan mail today. I think that's important.
Q: Do you have a girlfriend?
A: I did. We actually broke up this summer, just because of distance. She's playing soccer at Seattle Pacific: Brittany Langdon. We still talk, there's probably a chance we'll get back together. We've known each other forever, so she's known me as a normal kid growing up who happens to play football. She's awesome.
Q: What are your priorities in a female you might want to date?
A: I'd say a Christian, foremost. That's important. I think understanding . . . that I'm super-busy. Having an upbeat spirit for the most part -- they love their life, they don't change who they are. And they like me. [laugh]
Q: You told Rick Reilly of ESPN recently that the famous person you'd most like to meet is pop singer Taylor Swift. Has it happened yet?
A: I was kinda joking around, kinda serious. I told him I think Taylor Swift needs some love after what Kanye West did to her. [laugh] I'm hoping he puts it in an article. That would be pretty funny to see what happens.
Q: Speaking of singers, what kind of music do you like?
A: I listen to everything, mostly rock. My favorite band is probably U2. I watched their Rose Bowl concert the other night on YouTube and it was awesome. I love Coldplay, the Fray, Bon Jovi. I'll listen to whatever's on the radio. I saw Coldplay last summer. They're great live. My dad said if we win the national championship, I can go see U2 in Ireland this summer. [laugh]
Q: How about favorite movies?
I like the "man" movies [laugh] -- "Braveheart," "Gladiator," "Ironman" -- and inspiring movies . . . "Saving Private Ryan," "Blackhawk Down," "The Hurt Locker." And Jim Carrey comedies, like "Ace Ventura."
Q: What's your preferred form of communication these days -- phone, e-mail or text?
A: My personal preference right now, just because of lack of time and my schedule, is e-mail. But for the most part I like talking to people. Talking on the phone makes me feel a little bit more human.
Q: Have you figured out how you want to handle yourself now that the media and public attention is starting to build around you?
A: It's been building and building. My mom has emphasized this so much since I was little, just about being genuine, being blameless, so people can't find anything wrong with you. It's in the Bible, the story of Daniel, how people tried to find something wrong with him, accuse him of something. But they couldn't find anything wrong with him. You need to live your life right, stay calm, just be you, worry about yourself. You can't do anything about what they might say, making stuff up. But if you control yourself . . . I'm not going to do anything out of the ordinary, or change who I am. I don't drink or do any of that stuff, so that's not a problem. I just think, don't give them any reasons to write anything bad or post a picture. It's not worth it, not what I want or who I am.
Q: Looking down the road, do you see yourself more like Mark Sanchez, who left USC a year early for the NFL, or Tim Tebow, who will have a full four-year college experience?
A: I really don't know. I think it would really come down to the timing, just like it did with Mark. There wasn't really a strong contingent of quarterbacks in the last draft, and it worked out for him. I really want to graduate, that's an important part to me. But it's not the end-all. I can always come back to school. I don't think I can say right now. I'd love to stay for four years, but at the same time I want to be making a living, playing the sport I love. We'll have to see. . . .
Q: You seemed to have formed a special bond with World War II survivor and hero Louis Zamperini, the former U.S. Olympic and USC track star who is still active and still going to Trojans football games at 92, and who you met in my class last spring.
A: He's actually sent me verses before several games. He sent me a verse from Timothy before the San Jose State game, about not letting anyone doubt you because of your youth . . . that it doesn't matter how old you are, you can do anything anyone else can do, my age shouldn't make a difference. I had already been holding on to that verse, so it was just more confirmation. And especially coming from him, knowing his story, was just awesome. I've told his story to so many people. I hope he stays around a lot longer, just to be able to continue that relationship. It's really cool to be able to know him.
jfellz@aol.com
His legacy in Trojans lore was cemented a week later when, a few days after his 19th birthday and in front of more than 106,000 fans at Ohio State, and despite a painful bruised shoulder that would cause him to miss the next game, he led a dramatic fourth-quarter drive to help USC pull out an 18-15 victory.
Since returning to the starting lineup a week after the Trojans' only defeat, at Washington, Barkley has provided a spark and led USC to three consecutive victories, including impressive road wins over California and Notre Dame. In the game against the Irish, while outplaying his friend and Heisman Trophy candidate Jimmy Clausen, Barkley passed for a career-high 380 yards and two touchdowns as the Trojans held on for a 34-27 victory to remain firmly entrenched in the BCS title chase.
In a poll of Heisman Trophy voters conducted by HeismanPundit.com last week, Barkley emerged at No. 13 on the list. He paused recently during a break between classes to talk to Jeff Fellenzer, a former Times staff writer, now an adjunct professor at USC's Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism.
Barkley was a student in Fellenzer's "Sports, Business and Media" class last spring.
Question: What was your reaction when you heard your name mentioned for the first time in a Heisman Trophy poll?
Answer: My jaw just dropped when I heard about it, I wasn't expecting that at all. It's an honor to have my name on the list, but I'm really not focusing on that or thinking about that right now. I could have a bad game next week and be right off the list again. It's cool, it's an honor, but it's not at the top of my list right now. It's about winning.
Q: Is winning the Heisman Trophy one of your goals while you're in college?
A: Absolutely. Regardless of the trophy and all that stuff, I wanna be the best . . . and that trophy happens to be given to the best. I always strive to be the greatest player on the field. That is a goal of mine, to get to the point where I feel like I'm the best player in the country. And if I'm the best, at the top of my game, there's no reason we shouldn't be the best team in the country. I feel like we've been so dominant over the last couple of years, but that title's been lacking. So to bring that title back to USC -- for our program, for Coach Carroll -- that's definitely a goal.
Q: You've played in an unusual number of big road games already -- Ohio State, Notre Dame, Cal -- with Oregon this week and Arizona State still to come. What's been the best road atmosphere you've experienced so far?
A: The best atmosphere was Notre Dame -- because of the stadium, playing in a historic venue, the rivalry. . . . I thought the fans were awesome, crazy but respectful. Ohio State was super hostile, the fans were loud and it was insane. When our bus was heading through campus the day of the game, they were yelling, throwing things, and we were getting certain hand gestures that were quite inappropriate. [Laugh] The fans were pumped, it was nuts the whole game, nonstop. Two different styles among the fan base.
Q: What have you heard about the atmosphere at Autzen Stadium?
A: I've just heard it's loud with that overhang, the sound kind of reverberates. There aren't a ton of people there, but they're all screaming, they're all crazy. The stands are pretty tight to the sidelines where the players are. They'll [the fans] try to jaw with you and say stuff. But it won't be hard to block all that out. It really doesn't matter when we're on the line of scrimmage. The receivers might not be able to hear me, but they go on movement anyway. I don't think it will be that big of a deal.
Q: It almost seems like you relish the challenges of playing in hostile environments.
A: I love challenges. I think it almost elevates my game when I have a challenge. Not that I play worse at home, but for some reason with away games I can just forget about everything and concentrate on the game.
Q: Let's set the record straight about your size. The media guide lists you as 6 feet 2, 230 pounds. But you seem taller than that. What's the deal?
A: I'm 6-3 . . . maybe 6-2 and 11/12ths. [Laugh] I say I'm 6-3, about 225 right now.
Q: What's been the best thing so far about being the quarterback at USC?
A: Being able to do what I've always wanted to do. I can't stand sitting and watching, it's just not part of me. I've always wanted to play. I love being on the field. Maybe down the line after college, there'll be a time for me to sit and watch. But as the starting quarterback now, I'm loving the fact I get to play.
Q: It seems like you've been able to assume a definite leadership role on a veteran team, even as a true freshman.
A: Just being in the position of the starting quarterback has allowed me to do that, regardless of my age. In a sense it was kind of placed on me, as the starting quarterback for one of the best teams in the country. It's my job to live up to it and express those leadership qualities, which I love doing. Guys respect me, I think, just in how I play.
Q: Have you experienced any special moments when your older teammates really showed faith in you as a leader?
A: At Ohio State, right before we got the ball back for that fourth-quarter drive, [linebacker] Chris Galippo and [safety] Taylor Mays each came up to me at different times, saying, 'We're gonna get the ball back for you. We believe in you.' That was confirmation for me right there, getting all the guys in the mind-set that it doesn't matter who we are or what age we are, hey, we can do this. But I'll remember those two guys coming up and saying that stuff. That was pretty cool.
Q: Has it been a challenge to push guys three or four years older than you?
A: I don't think so. I think it's progressed, though, and gotten easier and easier as the weeks have gone by. I guess it's confidence. At first I wasn't sure if they would listen to me, but I think after I've kinda proven myself, then what I do say has validity now and they trust me.
Q: What stands out among the things you've learned so far from Pete Carroll?
A: I love everything he says and I try to apply everything, and even try to echo him in interviews . . . just because they're the right things to say. [Laugh] We have three rules: 'Be early' -- it can apply to everything, to class, to outside settings, but especially for football. It shows respect. 'Don't whine, don't complain, don't make excuses,' from Coach [John] Wooden. These all can apply off the field, too. 'Protect the team.' It's simple, but it goes a long way. Also 'protect the ball' is a huge part of the philosophy. It's made me change for the better, just being mindful that if we have control of the ball, obviously they don't . . . and they can't score. That's been a huge thing. Competing is another central theme of the program. I've always been a competitor, but just to hear that reinforced every day, and to have the defense hearing it, too, so they're competing right back . . . it's making me a better player. Being even-keeled, not underestimating your opponents, treating them the same every week. I love all that stuff he says.
Q: Do any of those points resonate more than the others?
A: Coach talks a lot about focusing on ourselves. Obviously we watch film to learn about the opponent, but if we take care of what we need to do, everything else will fall into place.
Q: After Aaron Corp was designated the starting quarterback in late April, you were always quoted as saying that you were still going to compete to be the starter. In your heart of hearts, did you really believe that you could win the job as a true freshman?
A: Yes. They told me that the job was open when they were recruiting me, when I was on my official [recruiting] visit, when Mark [Sanchez] left, they told me that in the spring, then after they declared Aaron the starter, they told me that in the summer, even in fall camp. Those were my intentions the whole time, to win the job. I like setting high goals. I knew it was achievable. It was just how hard I wanted to work, and how much time I wanted to put in to get it accomplished. I kept my mind on it, kept focused on it, didn't talk too much about it, but I knew there was a high chance of being able to do that [start].
Q: Were you surprised when you were officially chosen the starter?
A: I wasn't surprised at the decision, but I was surprised at the timing. I didn't expect it to happen then. But Coach said, 'We need to get you going and get the team around you.' It was sweet, a dream come true. Pretty amazing.
Q: Who did you talk to first after you got the news?
A: I called my dad. I think he was in a meeting, or about to go into a meeting. He said, 'Hold on, lemme call you back.' I said, 'Uh, Dad, it's kind of important.' [laugh] So I talked to him for like a minute, then he had to go. He was stoked, and called me right back. I think he said, 'No way.' That's right, he just said, 'No way' . . .
Q: How does being the starting quarterback as a freshman at USC compare to being the starter at Mater Dei High as a 14-year-old freshman in 2005?
A: I really do think that was harder, coming from, like, Pop Warner, and playing in one of the best high school football leagues in the country. It's definitely a lot harder to speak up to older people at that age -- for anyone, regardless of whether you're playing football or not. I've always been a leader by example, so being vocal is something I've tried to work on, and it still is today. I've matured a lot since I was 14. I'm a man now. As you get older, the age difference shrinks. Especially coming here in the spring, I got that little head start. But I think high school was a little harder to do. It's easier now.
Q: Do you ever kid around with tailback Allen Bradford about the time he broke your collarbone during a second-round CIF playoff game against Colton High when you were a freshman at Mater Dei?
A: He was one of the best linebackers in the nation at that time. He came off the right side, untouched, I just threw a hot route in the flat, kinda off my back foot, and literally he just stuck his helmet under my pads and lifted me off the ground. I flew back a couple of yards, and my feet were above my head. It wasn't the impact on the hit, it was the impact from the force when I hit the ground. He didn't land on me, he just stuck me and it snapped. I couldn't play in the semifinals, we lost . . . but we did beat him that game, so I do have a little leverage against him [laugh]. I saw him the next spring or summer. My mom went up to him and faked hitting him, then gave him a hug. It was funny. We still joke about it.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence on your football career?
A: My father [Les]. He was a water polo player at USC [1976-79]. The wisdom that he's imparted, how he has challenged me to be the best I can be. He was a huge presence for me growing up. He coached my soccer teams, Little League teams, just being part of my life was huge. He's awesome in how he handles things. He knows the best decisions for me to make, and he always told me never to be satisfied.
Q: What's your earliest recollection of wanting to be the starting quarterback at USC?
A: I think there's video footage of when I was, like, 3 years old, saying, "I'm going to be the starting quarterback for the Trojans." I always loved the sport, always liked being in command. I played center-midfield in soccer, pitcher in baseball, and always wanted to play quarterback . . . then decided that soccer just wasn't going to cut it. [laugh]
Q: How have things changed for you on the USC campus, where football is such an important part of the culture, since you arrived last spring?
A: Not a lot has changed. No one really knew me in the spring, my face wasn't in the newspaper and on TV. I do get the stares walking by sometimes now, acting like they're texting or taking pictures. But no weird encounters. I haven't really been able to go out to parties or anything because of my schedule, nothing crazy there. I see people's lips moving, mouthing my name, then other people look. Kinda funny. [laugh] I try to be as nice as I can to the fans, they deserve it. I think our fan base is awesome. I was just returning some fan mail today. I think that's important.
Q: Do you have a girlfriend?
A: I did. We actually broke up this summer, just because of distance. She's playing soccer at Seattle Pacific: Brittany Langdon. We still talk, there's probably a chance we'll get back together. We've known each other forever, so she's known me as a normal kid growing up who happens to play football. She's awesome.
Q: What are your priorities in a female you might want to date?
A: I'd say a Christian, foremost. That's important. I think understanding . . . that I'm super-busy. Having an upbeat spirit for the most part -- they love their life, they don't change who they are. And they like me. [laugh]
Q: You told Rick Reilly of ESPN recently that the famous person you'd most like to meet is pop singer Taylor Swift. Has it happened yet?
A: I was kinda joking around, kinda serious. I told him I think Taylor Swift needs some love after what Kanye West did to her. [laugh] I'm hoping he puts it in an article. That would be pretty funny to see what happens.
Q: Speaking of singers, what kind of music do you like?
A: I listen to everything, mostly rock. My favorite band is probably U2. I watched their Rose Bowl concert the other night on YouTube and it was awesome. I love Coldplay, the Fray, Bon Jovi. I'll listen to whatever's on the radio. I saw Coldplay last summer. They're great live. My dad said if we win the national championship, I can go see U2 in Ireland this summer. [laugh]
Q: How about favorite movies?
I like the "man" movies [laugh] -- "Braveheart," "Gladiator," "Ironman" -- and inspiring movies . . . "Saving Private Ryan," "Blackhawk Down," "The Hurt Locker." And Jim Carrey comedies, like "Ace Ventura."
Q: What's your preferred form of communication these days -- phone, e-mail or text?
A: My personal preference right now, just because of lack of time and my schedule, is e-mail. But for the most part I like talking to people. Talking on the phone makes me feel a little bit more human.
Q: Have you figured out how you want to handle yourself now that the media and public attention is starting to build around you?
A: It's been building and building. My mom has emphasized this so much since I was little, just about being genuine, being blameless, so people can't find anything wrong with you. It's in the Bible, the story of Daniel, how people tried to find something wrong with him, accuse him of something. But they couldn't find anything wrong with him. You need to live your life right, stay calm, just be you, worry about yourself. You can't do anything about what they might say, making stuff up. But if you control yourself . . . I'm not going to do anything out of the ordinary, or change who I am. I don't drink or do any of that stuff, so that's not a problem. I just think, don't give them any reasons to write anything bad or post a picture. It's not worth it, not what I want or who I am.
Q: Looking down the road, do you see yourself more like Mark Sanchez, who left USC a year early for the NFL, or Tim Tebow, who will have a full four-year college experience?
A: I really don't know. I think it would really come down to the timing, just like it did with Mark. There wasn't really a strong contingent of quarterbacks in the last draft, and it worked out for him. I really want to graduate, that's an important part to me. But it's not the end-all. I can always come back to school. I don't think I can say right now. I'd love to stay for four years, but at the same time I want to be making a living, playing the sport I love. We'll have to see. . . .
Q: You seemed to have formed a special bond with World War II survivor and hero Louis Zamperini, the former U.S. Olympic and USC track star who is still active and still going to Trojans football games at 92, and who you met in my class last spring.
A: He's actually sent me verses before several games. He sent me a verse from Timothy before the San Jose State game, about not letting anyone doubt you because of your youth . . . that it doesn't matter how old you are, you can do anything anyone else can do, my age shouldn't make a difference. I had already been holding on to that verse, so it was just more confirmation. And especially coming from him, knowing his story, was just awesome. I've told his story to so many people. I hope he stays around a lot longer, just to be able to continue that relationship. It's really cool to be able to know him.
jfellz@aol.com
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