Fourth-round quarterbacks don’t often get on the field as rookies, but Matt Barkley is confident that he can be an exception to that rule if he gets the chance to run coach Chip Kelly’s offense.
Even though Barkley doesn’t know what Kelly’s offense is yet.
“I don’t exactly know what type of system it is going to be. I probably have similar questions that you do,” Barkley said on 97.5 The Fanatic, via PhillyMag.com. “Once we get into rookie camp next week I’ll have a better idea. But in terms of what style of quarterback he needs, I have heard him say multiple times both to the public and to me personally that he is going to make the personnel he has fit in the system. So without a doubt I have confidence that I can come in right away and make an impact, or just help the team in whatever way I can. I don’t think it matters what people say about me and what type of quarterback I am, I think Coach Kelly will make it work.”
Barkley also said he took jersey No. 2 only after the Eagles confirmed with the last player to wear it in Philadelphia, David Akers, that he wouldn’t mind. The number Barkley wore at USC, No. 7, is already taken by Michael Vick, and Barkley said he didn’t want his high school No. 5 because “I think that was too soon after Donovan [McNabb]” wore the number.
Some day, Barkley may be the heir apparent to McNabb and Vick as the Eagles’ franchise quarterback. Even if it’s unlikely that he’s going to come in right away and make an impact.