Five potential instant contributors from USC football’s 2019 recruiting class

Tuasivi Nomura

The sheer amount of depth USC has at both outside linebacker positions may make Tuasivi Nomura’s bid to be an instant impact player a bit more challenging that others. Still, when the head coach takes the time to highlight a player the way Helton did Nomura on Signing Day, you have to sit up and take notice.

Helton called Nomura a “Tasmanian devil” and compared him to Trojan All-American Uchenna Nwosu.

That fits the analysis of 247Sports scout Greg Biggins: “He’s a highly instinctive player, always around the football and a big hitter,” plus he plays with “the kind of passion and aggressive edge that other players will feed on.”

He will have some work to do, particularly because at the moment he is undersized for either outside spot at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds. Fortunately, the Trojans have seen quick physical transformations from players both at present and in the past. Kana’i Mauga put on 15 pounds between enrolling and the start of Spring Camp last year.

If Nomura can successfully bulk up, he fits the profile of player who will impress his way onto the field before long. And once here’s there, that inner “Tasmanian devil” can be unleashed on opponents.