Senior QB Matt Barkley has been named the first Wuerffel Trophy winner in USC history as the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
Click here for the official winner's release.
Barkley joins previous winners like Tim Tebow and Alabama OL Barrett Jones. The award is named after former Florida Heisman winner Danny Wuerrfel.
"I did not expect this," said Barkley, who was informed today in New York. "This is quite an honor. I've seen the list of past winners and there are some phenomenal guys there. To be mentioned in the same breath with those guys, that's awesome."
Barkley ticks all three boxes required to win the Wuerffel. He is the Pac-12 all-time and single season touchdown pass record holder, an all-conference and national scholar-athlete honoree as well as a leader in the community at home and abroad, including leading humanitarian trips to Africa and Haiti during his time at Troy.
"Not only is Matt a phenomenal quarterback, he's also an exceptional person," said Wuerffel. "From the things he's done off the field to the way that he's given of himself completely, he deserves every honor that comes his way. I'm proud to welcome him and he will be a fine member of the Wuerffel Trophy family."
Click here for more on Barkley.
(Photos by John McGillen and Lindsay Crouch)
Click here for the official winner's release.Barkley joins previous winners like Tim Tebow and Alabama OL Barrett Jones. The award is named after former Florida Heisman winner Danny Wuerrfel.
"I did not expect this," said Barkley, who was informed today in New York. "This is quite an honor. I've seen the list of past winners and there are some phenomenal guys there. To be mentioned in the same breath with those guys, that's awesome."
Barkley ticks all three boxes required to win the Wuerffel. He is the Pac-12 all-time and single season touchdown pass record holder, an all-conference and national scholar-athlete honoree as well as a leader in the community at home and abroad, including leading humanitarian trips to Africa and Haiti during his time at Troy.
"Not only is Matt a phenomenal quarterback, he's also an exceptional person," said Wuerffel. "From the things he's done off the field to the way that he's given of himself completely, he deserves every honor that comes his way. I'm proud to welcome him and he will be a fine member of the Wuerffel Trophy family."
Click here for more on Barkley.
(Photos by John McGillen and Lindsay Crouch)
Dear Matt,
I am so pleased to hear that you won this trophy! Actions speak louder than words, and you have constantly been active in your charity work. Your grades have always been outstanding too.
You should get some awards for your athletic acumen as well. This season has not been kind to you, but lest people get lost in the emotional part of it they must remember the records that you set and the leadership that you have always displayed.
Matt you are a terrific person and I wish you the best in your personal and athletic endeavours!
Hi Matt:
You made a retired Mater Dei High School teacher, Esther Blanc, my wife, very proud of you. You may remember her when you gave her a hug in the athletic Center on campus few weeks ago. As a Trojan, class of 1973, I too am very proud of what you represent as a man. We need more people like you in society these days. God bless you and your family.
George and Esther Blanc
Congratulations Matt on receiving the Wuerffel Award. The Lord has used you during your years at USC. You have been an outstanding football player, but your service to the Lord will last for all eternity.
God Bless you as you go out into the world as you continue to represent the Lord to those around you.
Colleen Floryan