Kana’i Mauga signs with USC during Early Signing Period 2018

Four-star outside linebacker Kana’i Mauga completed his commitment to USC by signing for the Trojans during the Early Signing Period on Wednesday.

The national letter of intent is in for Kana’i Mauga, who signed on with USC on Wednesday as part of the 2018 Early Signing Period.

Mauga has been committed to USC since late June, but reaffirmed his commitment in October after looking at all of his options. He took an official visit to Los Angeles in November and is slated to enroll early.

A three-star prospect when he originally pledged for the Trojans, the linebacker rose to four-star level and won the Manti Te’o Award as Hawaii’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.

As a senior he posted 52 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, two fumble forces and recoveries and three interceptions. He also scored three defensive touchdowns, two via picks and one via scoop and score.

More from Reign of Troy

• Markese Stepp enters transfer portal intending to leave USC football
• USC football’s Alijah Vera-Tucker declares for NFL Draft
• USC football adds Xavion Alford as transfer from Texas
• USC Podcast: RoT Radio Ep. 396 on the Football Season’s Fallout
• Talanoa Hufanga named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, USC football with five first-teamers

Mauga is 6-foot-2, 215 pounds and projects to the outside linebacker spot opposite the larger Predator slot. He is the top-rated recruit from Hawaii this year, ranking No. 299 nationally and No. 21 among outside linebackers, per the 247Sports composite. Though he will have to add some bulk to excel at USC, Mauga’s motor and drive is what sets him apart.

The Trojans are loading up with linebackers in the class of 2018. Already USC has signed five-star prospect Palaie Gaoteote, though he projects as an inside option. Clay Helton also has a commitment from Narbonne linebacker Raymond Scott, who fits the bill inside or out as well. And USC’s pursuit of other linebackers has not ended either.

EARLY SIGNING PERIOD: Live Blog and LOI Tracker

On top of those signing in this class, the Trojans brought in Hunter Echols and Juliano Falaniko in the 2017 class and have Oluwole Betiku and Connor Murphy waiting in the wings as well, with Uchenna Nwosu set to graduate and Porter Gustin having just one year of eligibility remaining.