USC alums Riki Ellison and Lofa Tatupu (pictured, #58) are two of the 18 finalists chosen from a list of more than 200 nominees. Five of the current 18 will be inducted early next year.Ellison, known as Riki Gray at the time, played LB at USC from 1978-82. The New Zealand native won a national championship at USC his freshman year and appeared in two Rose Bowls. He earned Pac-10 first-team honors his sophomore year and led the Trojans in tackles his senior year.
Ellison was drafted in the 5th round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, becoming the first Kiwi to ever play in the NFL. He played in SF for seven seasons (1983-89), winning three Super Bowls. He then played for the Los Angeles Raiders for three years (1990-92).
Tatupu, also a linebacker, played at USC from 2003-04, winning national championships both years. After leading the team in tackles in both seasons at USC, he was named an All-American in 2004. He also won many team awards, including USC's Bob Chandler award, Most Inspirational Player Award, John McKay Award and Defensive Weightlifter of the Year Award during his time as a Trojan.
The Seahawks drafted Tatupu in the 2nd round of the 2005 NFL Draft. In six seasons in Seattle, Tatupu was a three-time Pro Bowler, an All-Pro selection in 2007 and a Super Bowl champion in 2006.
