Entering the 2011 college football season, it was universally known Matt Barkley would face a big decision at the end of this year. As Mark Saxon, blogger for ESPN.com, put it, "we knew he'd be starting at a potential high selection in next April's NFL draft and weighing that against the possibility of the Trojans making a nice run in 2012. But we didn't know it was going to be like this, as the stakes involved in Barkley's decision to stay or go have been dramatically raised over the past month-plus." Saxon continues arguing Barkley now "has two good choices: (1) Go to the NFL and he's a guaranteed first-rounder, probable top-15 pick and possible top-5 selection, or (2) stay at USC and start the 2012 season in the top 5 nationally with a chance to break every remaining school career passing record." Barkley's tenure with the USC Trojans has been overshadowed by the Reggie Bush scandal that has USC on probation. Next season USC is off probation and if Barkley returns, they will start the season in the top 5 in the nation. Barkley hasn't had the opportunity to go to a bowl game or even compete for a BCS National Championship. Barkley will obviously be very well compensated financially if he enters the 2012 NFL Draft, and nobody could blame him for going. However, the NFL isn't going anywhere and he would be drafted just as high if not higher in 2013 if he stays his senior year. On the other hand, if he decides to leave, then he'll never have the opportunity to play for a college championship or win a Heisman Trophy (he's assured to be the early front-runner in 2012). In the end, it is a decision he has to make based on what is best for him. What do you think he should do? Should he enter the 2012 NFL Draft or stay for his senior season?
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