Q&A With High School Football's Boy Wonder

By Mitch Stephens
MaxPreps.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL’S BOY WONDER

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Matt Barkley is everywhere. Magazine covers. YouTube. Wikipedia. New York Times.

After being named the first junior ever to win the Gatorade National Player of the Year in July, he even walked the red carpet and attended the ESPYs alongside every other major athletic and Hollywood high roller.

Did we mention Barkley is 17-years-old?

Next month he’ll start his fourth season at quarterback for Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), one of the country’s most heralded football programs and he goes in as the nation’s No. 1 college recruit according to every scouting agency.

Considering the multi-media era, he may just be the most visible, well-known and coveted high school football player ever.

His quarterback coach Steve Clarkson, who has tutored numerous NFL signal-callers including Matt Leinart, J.P. Losman and Ben Roethlisberger, says Barkley is a cross between Joe Montana and Tom Brady.

Now there’s some company.

He’s a drop back guy with a big-time arm, fine-tuned mechanics and most important, deep rich poise.

He’s needed that depth to handle the over-the-top comparisons, the multitudes of praise and the all out blitz from the media. He credits his faith and parents and coaches for his humble nature.

We’d heard many tales of his humility and witnessed it the previous month while covering the Gatorade luncheon. We’ve seen him live shred the most talented of defenses, read most every one of his press clipping and heard countless testimonials about his genuine nature.

But we received perhaps the most telling sound bite from an unlikely and unsuspecting source just before our sit down with the Boy Wonder on Wednesday, at his school’s busy campus on a bright, warm summer’s day.

The school’s parking lot security man, 20-something Juan Lara looked a little bored but eager to speak. I told him I was there to talk to this kid named Barkley and wondered if he had any dealings with him.

“Matt Barkley, the blonde-haired kid?” he said. “Yeah, we talk. I guess he’s pretty good in football. We never talk about football though.”

“So what do you talk about?”  

“Anything,” Lara said. “He’s just a real nice kid. He doesn’t act like some hot shot or something. I gave him a hard time the other day about his hair. He has a real nice big head of hair and he got a buzz cut like mine. I said ‘hey, that ain’t gonna make you run any faster man.’ He laughed.”

“So what’s he drive?”

“Man, he drives the biggest hunk of metal in the lot. These kids drive some nice expensive cars in here but he rolls in with some big white tank. I tell him, ‘man, you can do better than that,’ and he said maybe if he graduates his parents will buy him something better.”

We told Lara to check in with Barkley in about four or five years and see what he’s driving then.

All roads point to a Heisman Trophy run – just like former Mater Dei quarterbacks John Huarte (1964) and Leinart (2004) – and NFL career.

We (Barkley and I) didn’t touch that subject over the next hour. Instead, we sat just outside the practice field and with the marching band practicing, volleyball players conditioning and garbage trucks collecting, we discussed more pressing issues like his Toyota Land Cruiser, connections with Will Ferrell and winning the Super Bowl in the Junior All American Football league as a seventh grader.

We did touch on more topical issues such as adjusting to an entirely new receiving corps, his control issues (remote controls included), his athletic idols, progression since 14, and relationship with coach Bruce Rollinson, the media and recruiters and battle with being a vocal leader.

He also made a strong prediction about 2008, revealed that he almost started as an offensive lineman and speaks of the burden of being the nation’s No. 1 recruit.

Here’s the 45-minute interview in its entirety.

Mitch Stephens: Hey Matt, we caught up with you at the Gatorade luncheon last month but because you were selected the boys Athlete of the Year you got to attend the ESPYs later that night. How was that?

Matt Barkley: It was really neat to be with some of the great athletes in that one setting. To walk the red carpet – it was a real treat. Gatorade treated us like stars. It was really cool to sit next to Derek Fisher and Maurice Greene and some of the greats like that.

MS: Did you get to talk to Maurice? I know he can really talk.

MB: Not really, but I got to speak with Eli Manning and take a picture with him. That was really awesome.

MS: What did he have to say?

MB: He actually talked to the Gatorade athletes as a whole and told us to keep up the good work.

MS: We all saw the edited version and it was hilarious. Was it as funny in person?

MB: Justin Timberlake did such a great job I thought he made the night. He added a whole new sense to it. It was a lot of fun being there and hearing all the jokes he made.

MS: What was the entire Gatorade experience like?

MB: To meet all those great athletes. I thought any of the guys, after looking at all they had achieved in high school – Olympic trials and national records and playing major league baseball – any of those guys could have won. To meet them and establish relationships for the future, it was a real neat experience.

MS: You seemed legitimately surprised when you won.

MB: I was. I had no clue it was coming. My sister had to tap me on the hand and say, ‘Matt that’s you.’ It was out of the blue but such a great honor to represent Gatorade and win that award.

MS: All the better to have another Mater Dei and USC guy Matt Leinart present and announce the award?

MB: Yes, it was cool. He got up there and said “My man Matt Barkley.” Right when he said “My man” I knew (I had been picked). (Leinart) coming from Mater Dei and SC and I’ll be going to USC … it’s been really cool getting to know him the last couple of years.

MS: What is your relationship with Matt (Leinart)? How often do you guys communicate?

MB: It’s just occasionally. We’ll text here and there. We’re not like on a daily calling basis or anything (laughing). Whenever we throw together – we have the same coach (quarterback coach guru Steve Clarkson) – so we see each other then. We both lead pretty busy schedules.

MS: When did he (Clarkson) get a hold of you?

MB: We (Barkley family) made an effort to go to one of his camps the summer before my freshman season. I’ve been working with him ever since. He’s been great. He got me ready for the first high school season. He’s really shown me the fundamentals and all the little things that go into being a good quarterback. 

MS: Did you always want to be a quarterback and who were some of your childhood athletic idols?

MB: I remember having a poster of John Elway in my room. I don’t remember as a little kid watching and noticing all the little details like I do now, but I do recall those icons and that No. 7 jersey.

MS: And now who do you admire?

MB: More so now it’s Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. It’s amazing what they can do on the field. What a lot of people don’t see behind the scenes is the film study and the knowledge of the game that makes them considerably better than everyone else.

MS: Was football always your game?

MB: I played everything – baseball, basketball, soccer. But in sixth grade, I finally played football. I always wanted to play football and wanted to be a quarterback because baseball I was a pitcher, soccer I was a center midfielder. I was always sort of in control and so I knew I wanted to be a quarterback in football. I got my chance in the sixth grade and have been playing it ever since.

MS: Did you have success right away?

MB: I started playing Junior All American Football in Los Angeles. Actually in my second year we won the Super Bowl. We went 11-0. It was a great experience and a lot of fun. My cousin Robbie (Boyer, leading Mater Dei receiver last year, walk on at USC) was on that team and Carlo Valdes (MD’s receiver last year) was also on that team. We had a lot of great athletes from the area. I’ll never forget that.

MS: So being in control, being the center of attention, seems important to you. Where does that come from?

MB: I wouldn’t say being the center of attention is important, but being in control and knowing what’s happening and knowing I have control of the outcome (is important). I guess that’s one of the reasons I didn’t like playing defense because you have to guess where the play is going. I like knowing where I’m going to put the ball and knowing where the defense is going to be so I can pick and choose where the ball is going to go. I’ve always been that way. Whether it’s the television remote I guess I like being in control.

MS: Is the (TV remote) a point of contention at home.

MB: Occasionally (laughter) fists will fly. Just kidding.

MS: Do you have siblings?

MB: Yes, I have a brother (Sam) and sister (Lainy) who are twins and will be sophomores this fall. My brother is actually up on varsity right now as a receiver and safety so hopefully we’ll get a connection this year. My sister is a volleyball player and she’s a setter so there’s athletics in the whole family.

MS: All of you are at Mater Dei now, but if you had attended public school where would you have landed?

MB: I didn’t grow up knowing about Mater Dei. I grew up in Irvine and moved to Newport Beach later so the high school I would have gone to was Corona del Mar. But when my cousin Robbie decided to come here, we’re real close, so that definitely helped bring me here.

MS: When did you first meet coach Bruce Rollinson and what was that experience like?

MB: We came to summer camp here in the seventh or eighth grade. I first met him there. I knew right away who he was from the voice. Just the control he demands on the field you definitely know he’s the head coach. It’s been a great relationship we’ve had over the years and will continue to have in the future. It’s been great getting to know the entire coaching staff. Coach Rollinson so instrumental in making me kind of a big part of the team. During the season you’re with the coaching staff more than your family. It’s been great.

MS: What other first impressions did you have of Rollinson?

MB: I remember first going into his office and to hear his voice and see all the pictures on the wall of the history of Mater Dei and being out on the field that first year and hearing the coaches shouting about beating Servite and I didn’t even know who Servite was. I didn’t know any of the Catholic schools. But (what I remember) is all the passion they have for the game.

MS: What was your reaction when you were told you’d be the starting quarterback for the first game of your freshman season?

MB: It had been a battle that whole summer but he notified me that first week against Orange Lutheran. I was stoked. I had worked my hardest and been battling with a couple other quarterbacks. He brought the other quarterbacks in and coach Money (offensive coordinator Don) and he told me I was the starter. I was so happy. It was what I had worked for and to gain that spot was really big for me.

MS: Big? It was kind of unheard of for a freshman to make the varsity, let alone start, let alone at quarterback. Weren’t you a little in disbelief?

MB: I don’t think at the time I realized how big it was. I was just a little 14-year-old going through the thing playing football. At the time I didn’t really think any of it but looking back I guess it was pretty big.

MS: Do you remember coach Rollinson’s exact words when he told you?

MB: I don’t really remember. It was just something like ‘you have the job.’

MS: What did you take away that first year?

MB: Since then, I think of done a better job of just slowing things down and not letting everything whiz by me. I soaked in the energy from the game to the fans in the stands. I think I’ve improved on making good decisions not just throwing the ball where ever. It was a good season. The seniors did a great job of welcoming me.

MS: Was the toughest part learning the system or gaining the respect of older players?

MB: One of the toughest things was the speed of the game going from eighth grade Pop Warner to DI Southern California, arguably where some of the best football in the country is played. Just getting used to it, the windows close much faster. Learning where to throw. Just all the little things you have to do as a quarterback that change the game. I think the seniors did a great job of welcoming me and knowing I was somewhat of a leader as their starting quarterback.

MS: What did you pull from your sophomore year?

MB: It was a kind of disappointing. We lost in the first round and I wasn’t as productive as my freshman year. We didn’t do as much passing as I had hoped for and we didn’t get moving or in a rhythm. We learned quite a bit that year and got our whole receiving core a year of experience.

MS: And last season?

MB: The coaches let me open it up and we let the ball fly. After that year of experience, the receivers and I had a chemistry that wasn’t in a lot of offenses. We knew where the ball was going, where the open spot. It was all about the little things and we knew what we were doing. That helped a lot.

MS: I guess so. You threw for more than 3,500 yards and 35 TDs last season and the team went 9-2. But it had a quick and disappointing finish (a 48-26 quarterfinal playoff loss to Crespi). How much did that defeat hurt and has it motivated the returners?

MB: It was really painful. We worked so hard and had big goals set and to lose in the quarters was disappointing. The seniors this year tasted that defeat and don’t want to taste it again. I’ve been out the first, second and third rounds so I need to make my mark, as a team we need to make our mark for (Rollinson) for the school, so this year will be a big test for us. But we’ll be able to pull through.

MS: What’s been a bigger or tougher adjustment: Dealing with college recruiters or dealing with the media?

MB: Probably the media. Not so much as a burden but the recruiting process for me was a fun process. I got to meet coaches from some of the best programs in the country – talk to them, visit campus of the best colleges in the country. They couldn’t call me because I was younger and no text messaging which was really nice. I got mailed at school but it wasn’t overload.

MS: And the media?

MB: Yes, media taking a hold of this, taking hold of me has been an adjustment. But that’s one of the things you have to accept, being the quarterback in one of the most esteemed programs in high school football in the country and then going to (USC) and look what they’ve produced in quarterbacks over the years. So you kind of know you’re going to be put on that pedestal. But that’s one of the things that comes with the job.

MS: I’ve heard from more than one source that you’re not really comfortable being in that red hot media spotlight. Does it bother you at times?

MB: It can. Say in the middle of practice to be pulled out to do something. But (teammates) have fun with it. They call me ‘Gatorade’ and other stuff. Whatever is happening at that time. They all know it’s fun and games until we hit the field and then it’s game time under the lights. We’re a team no matter what’s going on that week or what’s happening off the field. When we’re on the field we’re a unit and it’s game time.

MS: Has anyone giving you any advice along those media lines? Leinart maybe?

MB: A little bit. I’ve been told to just be yourself. Mainly it’s been my mom and dad. They have done a great job and helping me go over what I’m going to say, working on words and being smart with what you say.

MS: In this day and age of mass media – even at the high school level – that’s an important tool to learn and you need to be coached.

MB: They’ve helped me progress in that area from early on. They’ve been there in every area.

MS: If you didn’t play quarterback then what position?

MB: I’d say probably tight end. I might be a little slow to play wide receiver but I think – my opinion – I have good hands.

MS: Have you always played quarterback? Did anyone try to put you at another spot?

MB: A coach did try to move me to offensive guard which didn’t go over real well. I was a big kid and big kids go on the line but I really didn’t want any of that. That was in my first year (sixth grade) when I was one of the heftier kids. The offensive coordinator at the time I guess saw something in me and said he’s going to be a quarterback so it all worked out.

MS: You have all new receivers this season. How is that going?

MB: We’ve made great progress since the beginning of spring through summer practices. They’ve made great steps in becoming more of a unit. The chemistry has gotten a lot better in the way our playbook runs.

MS: Do you think it’s going to be as wide open as last year?

MB: I think we’ll be able to put up the same numbers. We have a lot of athleticism and playmakers so it’s just a matter of getting the offense down.

MS: What do you need to get better at and what specifically will try to work on before going to USC?

MB: Probably my decision making and figuring out where the ball goes. My game management for the whole team and what I can control.

MS: Do you go on the Internet much and check out what folks are saying about you and your team?

MB: My mom does but I don’t check my stuff much. I try to check out what guys SC is trying to get. But I don’t scout myself much.

MS: But you must know you’re the No. 1 recruit in the country by just about every scouting service. Is that a burden and if so, do you even acknowledge it?

MB: I acknowledge it and it’s great and I thank them for acknowledging me. But I have to live up to it. It’s not going to mean anything unless I do better this year.

MS: Let’s forget about burdens and expectation. Let’s have fun. Favorite movies?

MB: I really like the “Ironman.” It’s a great movie. And “300.”

MS: Favorite sports movies?

MB: “Remember the Titans.”

MS: Favorite actors.

MB: Will Ferrell. Love him.

MS: Did you get to talk to him at the ESPYs?

MB: He was actually four or five rows ahead of me so I had to take the opportunity and say hi to him. He actually went to high school (University-Irvine) near where I grew up and he went to USC as well. So, we had somewhat of a connection.

MS: Did you tell him all that?

MB: I did. It was funny to meet him.

MS: As funny as when he went to the podium as Tiger Woods.

MB: That was classic.

MS: Favorite school subjects?

MB: I enjoy the math and sciences but I really enjoyed my U.S. History class this last year with (Rollinson’s wife). She did a great job.

MS: Favorite TV shows?

MB: I don’t watch too much TV, but “SportsCenter” is at the top. Occasionally I get to watch “Lost” and I really liked “24” before it went downhill. That Jack Bauer – can’t get enough of him (laughter).

MS:  What vehicle do you drive?

MB: A 1997 White Toyota Landcruiser – The Beast. Gets nine miles per gallon.

MS: Do you have any pregame meals that you always eat?

MB: I go to Chick-Fil-A before every game right down Bristol Ave. It’s chicken sandwiches. That’s where I get my pregame snack on. And after every game we go to In-N-Out Burger. That’s a Southern California/West Coast thing. It’s good stuff.

MS: Superstitions? Carry a lucky rabbit’s foot?

MB: Don’t have any superstitions but I go through the same routine before every game to get me in the mood. But no lucky underwear, no.

MS: What’s that routine?

MB: We get food and come back to school, get ready, get my uniform and my bag, we have a team meeting in a classroom up on campus in the same room coach Rolly taught when he was a history teacher. We go over the game plan and we have mass, then we have a walk through in the grotto, it’s a beautiful quad place on campus. We come back, have a little pump up and coach Rollinson gives a pregame speech. On the team bus the last three years I’ve sat next to (Boyer) on the same seat – guys kind of have their own area. I always listen to music before we get to the stadium wherever that is.

MS: Do you listen to the same song? “Eye of the Tiger” maybe.

MB: (Laughter) No, not so much.

MS: Who are you going to sit next to this year?

MB: Not sure yet. Probably our top receiver.

MS: Since you like history, any person in history you would like to meet?

MB: Probably some of the greats – George Washington or Winston Churchill – he was a great man – Abe Lincoln, Martin Luther King.

MS: Those are all leaders. Is that what you aspire to be? Is that what you enjoy most about being a quarterback?

MB: It’s one of the things I enjoy and one of the things I’ve tried to work at – to be a vocal leader. I’ve always been one of the guys who tries to do everything right action wise. But being a vocal leader is something that’s not natural to me. So it’s something I’ve been working on the last couple of years. Hopefully that’s gotten better.

MS: Along those lines, as a leader, is there an NFL guy you admire?

MB: I love Tom Brady – the way he manages the game. The way he gets up when he needs to but stays calm in those fourth quarter drives. I’m not comparing myself to him but I try to use him as a model.  

E-mail Mitch Stephens at mstephens@maxpreps.com