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USC Football: 5 reasons why Sam Darnold should leave after 2017

By Connor Muldowney

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks down field during the first quarter against the California Golden Bears at Los Angeles Coliseum on October 27, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks down field during the first quarter against the California Golden Bears at Los Angeles Coliseum on October 27, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans throws a pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 10, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans throws a pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 10, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

2. Remembering Matt Barkley’s decision

Do you remember when Matt Barkley decided to return for his senior season at USC after posting over 2,700 yards as a freshman and sophomore and 3,500 yards as a junior? He wanted to return to the Trojans, and Lane Kiffin, because he had ‘unfinished business’ to attend to.

Those infamous last words would ring in his ears for eternity as the potential top-10 pick was considered by some to be the best quarterback in the 2012 NFL Draft class. However, he decided to give it another run after posting 3,500 yards and 39 touchdowns as a junior — not the best idea.

How can one improve on those types of numbers? Simple answer: it’s nearly impossible with the added pressure. Everyone expected the world from Barkley and he struggled a bit. He still passed for over 3,200 yards and 36 touchdowns, but he more than doubled his interception total from the previous year. Scouts scrutinized him and he was never the same.

The talented USC star went from a top-10 lock to a fourth-round selection, No. 98 overall, by the Philadelphia Eagles. He has since bounced around and has never truly lived up to previous expectations as his confidence dwindled.

Darnold should be well aware of this possibility.

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