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Barkley has golden opportunity

USC quarterback could join Koufax, Robinson in pantheon of L.A. athletes

Updated: December 27, 2011, 10:26 AM ET
By Greg Katz | WeAreSC.com
LOS ANGELES -- Now that some of the exhilaration and excitement has subsided from Matt Barkley's stunning announcement that he will be returning for his senior year, a question arises. Will the Newport Beach native be best remembered for what he accomplishes on the field in 2012, or for how he represents himself in what figures to be a season spent under the microscope?

Can the senior-to-be become one of the most enduring role models in Los Angeles sports history, following in the footsteps of such legends such as the great Sandy Koufax?

There is a reason that the Dodgers' incomparable lefty has endured in popularity for well over 45 years. Long after his final pitch, Koufax remains the best combination of athlete and role model the City of Angels has ever seen.

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Greg Katz | email

Columnist, WeAreSC.com
  • USC Trojans columnist
  • Football Writers Association member
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2011

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