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The Trojans picked up a verbal commitment from four-star recruit and Hawaii’s top-rated outside linebacker Kana’I Mauga.
The 6’2” 215 lbs. Mauga is the fourth linebacker to commit to the 2018 USC recruiting class along with Palaie Gaoteote from Las Vegas, Raymond Scott from Harbor City and Bo Calvert from West Lake Village.
Mauga took to Twitter to express his gratitude for all who supported him, and give Trojan faithful an early glimpse of him in the Cardinal and Gold.
I am truly blessed #FIGHTON ✌ pic.twitter.com/LivzSc21lg
— Kana'i Mauga (@kanai_mauga) June 24, 2017
Instant Analysis:
Mauga may be a bit undersized to play the strong side rush linebacker in defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast’s system. However, he possesses the ability to make tackles in space and get into the backfield and wreak havoc. I could easily see him competing for time at the weakside or “drop” outside linebacker position in USC’s defensive scheme.
Mauga makes the third prospect to join Trojan’s 2018 class this week and along with the nation’s top 2018 center in Justin Dedich—the second four-star recruit this week. USC’s recruting efforts are in full swing as the summer rolls on and might just sit atop of media rankings come this winter.