Matt Barkley Looking To Make Immediate Impact

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How will Chip Kelly make it work with Matt Barkley? The former USC quarterback is curious about that himself.

“I don’t exactly know what type of system it is going to be. I probably have similar questions that you do,” said Barkley in an interview with Jon Marks and Sean Brace on 97.5 The Fanatic. “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.”

Some other highlights:

Barkley on his shoulder injury: “It feels great. It won’t bother me for the rest of my career,” he said. “It was something that took a little while just to get back to normal, but I am good to go. It should not affect the way I throw. It hasn’t hurt at all since I’ve been throwing recently. It feels strong.”

On jersey number. Did he want No. 5, his old high school number? “No. I think that was too soon after Donovan [McNabb]. That would be a disrespectful to him and the quarterback play he had. I did want a single-digit number and 2 was really one of the only numbers that was available. The organization asked David Akers for permission, he complied and that was that.”

On playing in Philly: “It’s a football city with a long heritage and great fans. I can’t wait to be a part of it. I cannot wait to embrace the fans and the city of Philadelphia.”

On losing out on millions by returning for senior season and slipping to fourth round: “Really now with the new CBA it’s all about that second contract and reaching that point. And while that’s not the goal — my goal isn’t to make money, it’s to establish myself as a quarterback — and if that all happens, then money shouldn’t be an issue.”

On his critics: “Let ’em keep talking. I’m not going to talk a whole lot, I’m just going to come in and do work, and the way that I play this year I think will speak for itself. They can say what they want but I’m not listening.”

Good interview. You can listen to it here.