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Max Wittek named backup QB

Apr 5, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Max Wittek (13) throws a pass during a spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
Apr 5, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Max Wittek (13) throws a pass during a spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Matt Barkley now knows who is looking over his shoulder.

Lane Kiffin named Max Wittek as Barkley's backup...

Redshirt freshman Max Wittek has been named USC’s backup quarterback, Trojans coach Lane Kiffin announced after practice Tuesday.

Kiffin said there was no single factor that elevated Wittek (Mater Dei High) over fellow redshirt freshman Cody Kessler, who earned the No. 2 role last season.

Neither Kessler nor Wittek appeared in a game last season, in part because starter Matt Barkley remained healthy, in part to preserve Kessler and Wittek’s redshirts. Kiffin said it’s possible both quarterbacks could play this season — but Wittek will be the first guy off the bench if needed.

Let the Cody Kessler is transferring rumors begin.

Not really much to say otherwise. Unless Barkley goes down, Wittek will see mop up duty and even then that could be sparse.

The season starts in 4 days!