And you thought Matt Barkeley was a green freshman behind center for the Trojans last fall. Yes, I know this is a political blog but some stories just scream for commentary. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUb8F8Ltru0&feature=player_embedded#[/youtube]
Like this story, which reports that a 13-year old phenom quarterback has already committed to USC for the Fall 2015 season. From the story:
“The next Tiger Woods? The next Lebron James? Everyone is always looking for the next phenom. And that’s why you might want to learn the name David Sills. He is a seventh grader who just gave a verbal commitment to the University of Southern California to be their quarterback – in 2015.
The six-foot-tall 13-year-old is a wunderkind in the eyes of his personal coach Steve Clarkson, who has mentored top college quarterbacks Jimmy Clausen and current USC star Matt Barkley.”
A lot can happen in five years. Is USC smart or dumb for making a commitment to a kid barely old enough to shave?
Dumb. Irresponsible. On the part of the parents, coaches, and USC. Let the kid be a kid. The spotlight, pressure, ego, warped sense of identity and priorities… this is wrong on so many levels. Not surprised that it’s USC doing it, though. Todd Marinovich comes to mind.