(Image by Larry Armstrong / USA TODAY)

Love the Jesus cross in the background; it deifies him nicely, but he could stand to lose the dyed hair. What we love about him most though is his straightforward confidence.

“I’ve been given abilities to be able to play football and throw the football and a mind to be able to comprehend quite a bit, so I really don’t settle for anything.”

Matt Barkley will be leading his Monarchs against the Carson Colts and Morrell Presley (another gem from USC’s 2009 recruiting class) tonight, Wednesday (ESPN2, 6 PST).

Golden arm of Mater Dei draws comparisons to football greats [USA Today]