RICHMOND, Va. - First-year Richmond football coach Latrell Scott has landed his first big recruit - Southern California backup quarterback Aaron Corp.
The school announced Thursday that Corp, a native of Villa Park, Calif., is transferring in with two years of eligibility remaining. Corp was slated to be the Trojans' quarterback last spring after showing promise as Mark Sanchez's backup in 2008, but lost the job to freshman Matt Barkley after getting hurt early in preseason camp.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Corp started one game for USC this season, going 13 for 22 for 110 yards with one interception in a 16-13 upset loss to Washington while Barkley was injured. Corp then fell behind Mitch Mustain on the Trojans' depth chart before reclaiming the backup job late in USC's disappointing 9-4 season.
"We wish Aaron the best," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "I know it'll work out well for him."
Carroll stuck with Barkley throughout his inconsistent freshman season, leaving the more-experienced Corp and Mustain stewing on the sideline. Barkley passed for 2,735 yards with 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, including 350 yards in the Trojans' win over Boston College in the Emerald Bowl.
Mustain, the Arkansas transfer with one season of eligibility left, has said he won't transfer, but he might explore entering the NFL draft.
Because Richmond plays in the Football Championship Subdivision, Corp will be eligible to compete for the Spiders' starting quarterback job right away.
