We all know the machine that is USC recruiting. Tonight the Crown Jewel of USC's 2009 class will be on the national stage.

The senior at Mater Dei High (Santa Ana, Calif.) is the No. 1 prep football player in the country according to every major recruiting service. Last season, he set an Orange County record with 3,576 passing yards, and he also threw 35 touchdown passes in Mater Dei's sophisticated spread-based offense, which requires the quarterback to read defensive coverages and make quick, sound judgments at the line of scrimmage.

Barkley, who became the first junior to win the Gatorade male high school athlete of the year award, begins his fourth season as the starter tonight when Mater Dei plays Carson (Calif.) Wednesday (ESPN2, 9 ET).

I find it simply incredible that SC continues to draw top talent that is willing to compete for the starting job. it will e fun to watch Barkley in action tonight.