USC football: Matt Barkley once injured by hit from future teammate Allen Bradford

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USC quarterback Matt Barkley, who is trying to overcome a bone bruise in his right shoulder so he can play against Washington, does not have much experience sitting out games because of injury.

Barkley was sidelined for only one game as a four-year starter at Santa Ana’s Mater Dei High.

In the 2005 Southern Section Division I quarterfinals against Colton, Barkley suffered a broken collarbone. The injury ended his season, forcing him to sit out the Monarchs’ semifinal loss to Loyola.

“The feeling that you can’t do anything, that you’re helpless was just terrible,� Barkley said Tuesday.

Barkley’s injury came courtesy of a hit delivered by future USC teammate Allen Bradford.

At the time, Bradford was the among the most dynamic two-way players in recent Southland prep history, a senior running back and linebacker for a Colton team that also featured future Trojans cornerback Shareece Wright.

“Mater Dei was pulling away and my coach sent me in on a blitz,� Bradford said. “I saw [Barkley] go up for a throw and I just him.

“I didn’t know at the time that he broke it.�

Mater Dei overcame Bradford’s touchdown runs of 91 and 94 yards to win, 42-27. But the next week, without Barkley, the Monarchs lost to Loyola.

“So they blame me for them not winning the championship,� Bradford said.

-- Gary Klein

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