Reign of Troy
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USC Football Recruiting: Keanu Saleapaga De-Commits

By Alicia de Artola

Nov 1, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Southern California Trojans helmet sit during a game against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. Trojans eat Cougars 44-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Southern California Trojans helmet sit during a game against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. Trojans eat Cougars 44-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Three-star defensive end Keanu Saleapaga de-committed from USC via Twitter on Monday night.

The La Mirada lineman had committed to the Trojans in June and is now considering Mississippi State, South Carolina, Georgia, Syracuse, Kansas, SMU and Arizona State, according to a report by 247Sports.

“Today my family and I have decided that it is in my best interest that I de-commit from USC and re-open my recruitment process,’ Saleapaga’s tweet read. “I want to thank the coaching staff and wish them the best of luck in the future.”

With his de-commitment, the Trojans are down to 14 recruits in this class with six spots left to fill between now and Signing Day.

The limited number of scholarships and major changes to the defensive coaching staff may have played into Saleapaga’s change of heart.

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Though USC has yet to hire a defensive coordinator and most of the defensive staff, the Trojans may have cooled on the prospect with hopes of making room for other players. Saleapaga was likely to be a project with the potential to capitalize on his 6-foot-5 frame after some time to develop.

SEE ALSO: Mique Juarez Eliminates USC From Contention

Rated the No. 50 strong-side defensive end in this class and the 103rd best prospect from California, Saleapaga was one of three defensive ends in USC’s 2016 class, but the lowest-rated of those.

The Trojans recently added the commitment of five-star defensive end Oluwole Betiku, who is expected to enroll at the school early. Three-star Huntington Beach-product Liam Jimmons is also on board in this class.

Currently, USC has 14 committed players in the 2016 class. There are six remaining scholarships, when accounting for blueshirt enrollees from last year, along with transfers Taylor McNamara, Daniel Imatorbhebhe and Chris Tilbey.