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Coming into his own

In four years Matt Barkley has turned from an awestruck youngster to a Heisman force

Updated: February 27, 2012, 11:37 AM ET

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LOS ANGELES -- It is fascinating to sit down with Matt Barkley for a one-on-one interview now and remember what he was like just four short years ago.

The difference is jaw-dropping.

The fresh-faced, innocent freshman has been replaced by a more mature, composed senior-to-be. The slightly overwhelmed kid who was immediately thrown into the cauldron of big-time college football by Pete Carroll is now a smooth, confident young adult ready to lead Lane Kiffin's Trojans all way the back from the ignominies of NCAA sactions.

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