USC LB Taylor Katoa leaving team for two-year LDS mission

USC redshirt freshman inside linebacker Taylor Katoa is putting his Trojan playing career on a waiting list. The former Layton High (Utah) standout announced on Wednesday that he is leaving the team for a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, per Katoa’s Twitter account.

The 6-foot-2 Katoa implied before he arrived at USC that he was committed to pursuing a religious mission despite the fact that he was enrolling at one of the nation’s premiere football programs.

Katoa has yet to play a snap for the Trojans. His 2017 campaign was derailed by a torn ACL injury that he suffered in spring pratice last year and was making progress towards a return for this season.

The good news for Katoa and USC fans is that he is still eligible to suit up for the Trojans once he returns in 2020, per USCFootball.com.

And, Katoa made it clear that he does indeed plan on returning to the program once he completes his LDS mission.

“I’m grateful for the support from Coach Helton, SC staff, my teammates, and the opportunity to serve. Loved my first year at USC,” Looking forward to being back with the Trojan Family in 2020.”