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Photo by: John McGillen
USC Football Announces February Signing Period 2018 Class
February 07, 2018 | Football, Trojan Athletic Fund, Features
Eight high school football players signed letters of intent with defending Pac-12 champion USC
LOS ANGELES – Eight high school football players signed letters of intent with defending Pac-12 champion USC today (Feb. 7), Trojan head coach Clay Helton announced.
Today's signees join 10 other players who signed in December's early signing period to comprise USC's 2018 signing class.
USC's class is ranked in the national Top 5 by Rivals, 247 Sports and PrepStar. The average star rating of the Trojans' signees is the highest of any school in the country in the Rivals and 247 Sports rankings.
Today's signees are, alphabetically: QB JT Daniels of Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.); DB Olaijah Griffin of Mission Viejo (Calif.) High; WR Amon-Ra St. Brown of Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.); DB Isaac Taylor-Stuart of Helix High in La Mesa (Calif.); DL Trevor Trout of Chaminade College Prep in St. Louis (Mo.); LB Solomon Tuliaupupu of Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.); WR Devon Williams of Antelope Valley High in Lancaster (Calif.); and LB Eli'jah Winston of Central Catholic High in Portland (Ore.).
"First of all, congratulations to all of the players who found their college fit today," said Helton. "It is special when you get to continue your education while also playing football. I'm very proud to introduce the 18 young men who make up our 2018 class. We welcome them to the Trojan Family. They all bring elite talent and will represent USC well on and off the field. I'd also like to acknowledge our coaching staff who worked tirelessly to sign this tremendous class."
Alphabetically, USC's December signees were: OL Justin Dedich of Chaparral High in Temecula (Calif.); OL Liam Douglass of Harvard Westlake High in Studio City (Calif.); LB Palaie Gaoteote IV of Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas (Nev.); DB Talanoa Hufanga of Crescent Valley High in Corvallis (Ore.); LB Kana'i Mauga of Waianae (Hi.) High; LB Abdul-Malik McClain of JSerra Catholic High in San Juan Capistrano (Calif.); LB Raymond Scott of Narbonne High in Harbor City (Calif.); RB Markese Stepp of Cathedral High in Indianapolis (Ind.); DL Caleb Tremblay of American River Community College in Sacramento (Calif.); and DB Chase Williams of Roosevelt High in Eastvale (Calif.).
Five of those December signees (Dedich, Hufanga, Mauga, Scott, Williams) graduated early from high school and enrolled at USC in January along with the junior college signee (Tremblay). All six will participate in the upcoming spring practice. The other four December signees will join the Trojan program in the fall along with today's signees.
USC football season tickets are available by at USCTrojans.com/football2018 or by calling 213-740-GOSC (4672).
Biographies of USC's February and December signees are below.
USC FOOTBALL FEBRUARY REGULAR SIGNING PERIOD 2018 CLASS SIGNEES
FALL ENROLLMENT
HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS
NAME POS HGT WGT HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL)
JT Daniels QB 6-3 205 Irvine, CA (Mater Dei)
Olaijah Griffin DB 6-0 180 Long Beach, CA (Mission Viejo)
Amon-Ra St. Brown WR 6-1 190 Anaheim Hills, CA (Mater Dei)
Isaac Taylor-Stuart DB 6-2 190 San Diego, CA (Helix)
Trevor Trout DL 6-4 300 Ferguson, MO (Chaminade College Prep)
Solomon Tuliaupupu LB 6-3 230 Santa Ana, CA (Mater Dei)
Devon Williams WR 6-4 200 Lancaster, CA (Antelope Valley)
Eli'jah Winston LB 6-3 230 Portland, OR (Central Catholic)
BIOGRAPHIES ON USC FOOTBALL'S FEBRUARY REGULAR SIGNING PERIOD 2018 FALL ENROLLEES
DANIELS— He is the second Trojan football player to graduate a full year early from high school in order to enroll at USC, joining John David Booty, who did so in 2003. He was 2017 Gatorade National Player of the Year, Max Preps National Player of the Year, National High School Coaches Association Player of the Year, USA Today All-USA first team, PrepStar Dream Team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Gatorade California Player of the Year, USA Today All-California Player of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports State Player of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, Max Preps Junior All-American first team, All-CIF Division 1 Offensive Player of the Year, Los Angeles Times All-Area Player of the Year and Orange County Register All-Orange County Offensive Player of the Year as a junior quarterback at Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.). In 2017, He completed 262-of-365 passes (71.8%) for 4,123 yards with 52 TDs and only 4 interceptions and he ran for 561 yards on 63 carries (8.9 avg) with 9 TDs. Mater Dei went 15-0 in 2017, won the California CIF Division 1 title and the California State Open Division crown and was named the prep national champions. As a 2016 sophomore, he was Max Preps All-American second team, Max Preps Sophomore All-American Player of the Year, Gatorade California Player of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports State Sophomore of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Division 1, Los Angeles Times All-Area Back of the Year, Orange County Register All-Orange County Offensive Player of the Year and All-Trinity League MVP. In 2016, he completed 315-of-423 passes (74.5%) for an Orange County record 4,849 yards with an Orange County record 67 TDs and just 6 interceptions, plus he ran for 37 yards on 25 carries (1.5 avg) with 2 TDs as Mater Dei went 13-1 and was the CIF Division 1 runnerup. As a 2015 freshman, he made Max Preps Freshman All-American first team and All-Trinity League first team while completing 174-of-313 passes (55.6%) for 3,042 yards with 33 TDs and just 4 interceptions (he also rushed for 2 scores). In his 3-year career, he was 751-of-1,101 (68.2%) for 12,014 yards with 152 TDs and 14 interceptions. Current Trojans Jonathan Lockett, Frank Martin II, Chase McGrath and Connor Rossow and incoming Trojans Amon-Ra St. Brown and Solomon Tuliaupupu also prepped at Mater Dei.
GRIFFIN—He made 2017 Max Preps All-American first team, PrepStar Dream Team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Division 1, Los Angeles Times All-Area Back of the Year, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-South Coast League MVP as a senior cornerback and wide receiver at Mission Viejo (Calif.) High. In 2017, he had 40 tackles, including 2 for losses, plus an interception, 4 deflections and 2 forced fumbles on defense, caught 33 passes for 875 yards (26.5 avg) with 12 TDs on offense and had 4 punt returns for 122 yards (30.5 avg) with 1 TD and 2 kickoff returns for 55 yards (27.5 avg). As a 2016 junior, he made Max Preps Junior All-American first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team, All-CIF Division 1, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-South Coast League first team while getting 35 tackles (4 for losses), 2 interceptions and 2 interceptions, plus catching 39 passes for 759 yards (19.5 avg) with 11 TDs. As a 2015 sophomore, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomore first team, All-CIF West Valley Division, Orange County Register All-Orange County second team and All-South Coast League first team. Current Trojan Cole Smith also prepped at Mission Viejo. His father is rapper and hip-hop producer Warren G. His first name is pronounced "uh-LIE-jhuh."
ST. BROWN—He made 2017 USA Today All-USA first team, PrepStar Dream Team, Max Preps All-American first team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Division 1, Los Angeles Times All-Area, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Trinity League MVP as a senior wide receiver at Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.). In 2017 despite missing some early-season games with a hand injury, he had 72 receptions for 1,320 yards (18.3 avg) with 20 TDs, plus he returned 12 punts for 238 yards (19.8 avg) with 2 TDs and had an 11-yard kickoff return. Mater Dei went 15-0 in 2017, won the California CIF Division 1 title and the California State Open Division crown and was named the prep national champions. As a 2016 junior, he made Max Preps Junior All-American, USA Today All-California first team, Max Preps All-State Large Schools first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team, All-CIF Division 1, Los Angeles Times All-Area first team, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Trinity League first team as he caught 60 passes for 1,229 yards (20.5 avg) with 21 TDs and had 16 punt returns for 260 yards (16.3 avg) with 1 TD. Mater Dei went 13-1 in 2016 and was the CIF Division 1 runnerup. As a 2015 sophomore, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomore second team as he had 22 receptions for 373 yards (17.0 avg) with 3 TDs and he returned 11 kickoffs for 335 yards (30.5 avg). His 44 career TD catches is an Orange County record. Current Trojans Jonathan Lockett, Frank Martin II, Chase McGrath and Connor Rossow and incoming Trojans JT Daniels and Solomon Tuliaupupu also prepped at Mater Dei. He spent his 2014 freshman season at Servite High in Anaheim (Calif.). Current Trojan Clayton Johnston also prepped at Servite. He is fluent in German (his mother, Miriam, is from Germany) and French (he lived in Paris as a fourth grader). His father, John Brown, was a bodybuilder who won 2 Mr. Universe and 3 Mr. World titles in the 1980s. His full name is Amon-Ra Julian Heru J. St. Brown (he was named after the Egyptian sun god Amon-Ra and sky god Heru). His first name is pronounced "AW-mun-raw." His brother, Equanimeous, was a wide receiver at Notre Dame (2015-17) who in his 3 meetings against USC blocked a punt that was returned for a TD in 2015, caught a TD pass among his 7 receptions in 2016 and caught another TD in 2017, while his brother, Osiris, is a redshirt freshman wide receiver at Stanford.
TAYLOR-STUART—He made 2017 USA Today All-USA first team, Prep Star Dream Team, Max Preps All-American second team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team and All-CIF San Diego first team as a senior defensive back, running back and wide receiver at Helix High in La Mesa (Calif.). In 2017, he had 77 tackles, 6 interceptions, 12 deflections and 2 fumble recoveries (1 for a TD) on defense, 422 yards on 37 carries (11.4 avg) with 8 TDs plus 15 receptions for 212 yards (14.4 avg) with 2 TDs on offense and 4 kickoff returns for 65 yards (16.3 avg). He spent his first 3 years of high school at St. Augustine High in San Diego (Calif.). As a 2016 junior, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team and All-CIF San Diego first team as he had 41 tackles (2 for losses, with a sack), 5 deflections and an interception on defense, 9 receptions for 109 yards (8.4 avg) with 1 TD and 645 yards on 69 carries (9.3 avg) with 7 TDs on offense and 10 kickoff returns for 361 yards (36.1 avg) with 1 TD. As a 2015 sophomore, he had 56 tackles (3 for losses), 3 interceptions, 13 deflections, 1 fumble recovery and 1 blocked field goal along with a 10-yard kickoff return. As a 2014 freshman, he had 37 tackles, 3 interceptions and 8 deflections. He also was on St. Augustine's track team, posting bests of 11.38 in the 100 meters, 22.43 in the 200 meters, 23-4.5 in the long jump and 45-7 in the triple jump.
TROUT—He made 2017 Prep Star Dream Team as a senior 2-way tackle at Chaminade College Prep in St. Louis (Mo.). He missed part of his 2017 senior season with a hamstring injury. As a 2016 junior, he made USA Today All-Missouri second team, All-District first team, All-Metro and All-Metro Catholic Conference while getting 60 tackles, with 4 sacks. As a 2015 sophomore, Chaminade played in the State Class 5 championship game. As a 2014 freshman, he made Max Preps Freshman All-American second team while getting 31 tackles, with 1 sack. He also was on Chaminade's track team (shot put and discus).
TULIAUPUPU—He won the 2017 High School Butkus Award and made 2017 USA Today All-USA Defensive Player of the Year, PrepStar Dream Team, Max Preps All-American first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Orange County Register Fab 15 second team, USA Today All-California Defensive Player of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Division 1 Defensive Player of the Year, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Trinity League first team as a senior inside linebacker at Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.). In 2017 despite suffering a season-ending foot injury in the playoffs, he had 63 tackles, including 12 for losses (with 4 sacks), a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. Mater Dei went 15-0 in 2017, won the California CIF Division 1 title and the California State Open Division crown and was named the prep national champions. Current Trojans Jonathan Lockett, Frank Martin II, Chase McGrath and Connor Rossow and incoming Trojans Amon-Ra St. Brown and JT Daniels also prepped at Mater Dei. He spent his first 3 years of high school at Claremont (Calif.) High. As a 2016 junior, he made Max Preps Junior All-American first team, Max Preps All-State Medium Schools second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team, All-CIF Division 7, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin All-Area and All-Palomares League MVP while getting 126 tackles, including 18 for losses (with 2 sacks), 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble and a blocked field goal. As a 2015 sophomore, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomore first team while getting 140 tackles, including 6 for losses (with 1 sack), and a deflection. As a 2014 freshman, he had 70 tackles (1 for a loss), 3 deflections and a fumble recovery for a TD. Current Trojan Jordan Austin also prepped at Claremont. His father, Turnbull, was an offensive lineman at Southern Utah (2000-01). His uncle, Pene Talamaivao, was a defensive tackle at Utah (1994-97), then played professionally for 8 years with the NFL's Buffalo Bills in 1998 (and in NFL Europe that year) and San Diego Chargers (1999-2000), XFL's San Francisco Dragons (2001), CFL's Ottawa RoughRiders (2002-04) and Arena Football League's Detroit Fury (2004-05). He cut his long hair in 2017 for the first time since the fifth grade as a show of support of cancer victims and survivors. He spent part of his youth in Utah. His last name is pronounced "too-lee-ow-POO-poo." His full name is Solomon Nokeakua-Stroud Tuliaupupu. His nickname is Solo.
D. WILLIAMS—He made 2017 PrepStar Dream Team, Max Preps All-American second team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Medium Schools first team, All-CIF Division 8 Offensive Co-Player of the Year and Los Angeles Daily News All-Area second team as a senior wide receiver, quarterback and safety at Antelope Valley High in Lancaster (Calif.). He had 71 receptions for 1,157 yards (16.3 avg) with 13 TDs on offense, had 67 tackles (1 for a loss), 5 interceptions (1 for a TD), 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery on defense and had 4 punt returns for 39 yards (9.8 avg) and 3 kickoff returns for 63 yards (21.0 avg). As a 2016 junior, he completed 71-of-134 passes (53.0%) for 1,150 yards with 11 TDs and 4 interceptions, ran for 397 yards on 72 carries (5.5 avg) with 3 TDs and caught 10 passes for 87 yards (8.7 avg) with 2 TDs on offense, had 55 tackles (1 for a loss), 5 interceptions (1 for a TD), 5 deflections and 4 forced fumbles on defense and returned 2 kickoffs for 48 yards (24.0 avg) and had a 27-yard punt return. He also was on the basketball and track (high hurdles and long jump) teams at Antelope Valley…His first name is pronounced "DEV-un."
WINSTON—He made 2017 Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Tacoma News Tribune Northwest Nuggets Best of the Rest and USA Today All-Oregon second team as a senior outside linebacker at Central Catholic High in Portland (Ore.). In 2017, he had 14 tackles, including 5 for losses (with 4 sacks) and a fumble recovery. As a 2016 junior, he made USA Today All-Oregon first team while getting 15 tackles (3 for losses) and a fumble recovery. His brother, La'Mar, is a junior linebacker at Oregon. His first name is pronounced "uh-LIE-jhuh."
USC FOOTBALL DECEMBER EARLY SIGNING PERIOD 2018 CLASS SIGNEES
SPRING ENROLLMENT
JUNIOR COLLEGE PLAYERS
NAME POS HGT WGT HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL/JC)
Caleb Tremblay DL 6-5 275 Napa, CA (Vintage/American River CC)
SPRING ENROLLMENT
HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS
NAME POS HGT WGT HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL)
Justin Dedich OL 6-2 290 Temecula, CA (Chaparral)
Talanoa Hufanga DB 6-1 215 Corvallis, OR (Crescent Valley)
Kana'i Mauga LB 6-2 220 Waianae, HI (Waianae)
Raymond Scott LB 6-2 220 Harbor City, CA (Narbonne)
Chase Williams DB 6-2 190 Corona, CA (Roosevelt)
FALL ENROLLMENT
HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS
NAME POS HGT WGT HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL)
Liam Douglass OL 6-5 285 Topanga, CA (Harvard Westlake)
Palaie Gaoteote IV LB 6-2 235 Las Vegas, NV (Bishop Gorman)
Abdul-Malik McClain LB 6-4 230 San Juan Capistrano, CA (JSerra Catholic)
Markese Stepp RB 6-0 230 Indianapolis, IN (Cathedral)
BIOGRAPHIES ON USC FOOTBALL'S DECEMBER EARLY SIGNING PERIOD 2018 SPRING ENROLLEES
DEDICH—He made 2017 PrepStar All-American, Max Preps All-American second team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Division 5, Los Angeles Times All-Area and Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area first team as a senior 2-way lineman (primarily center on offense) at Chaparral High in Temecula (Calif.). In 2017, he had 15 tackles, with 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble on defense. As a 2016 junior, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team and Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area second team. He also played soccer at Chaparral, with a 1.333 goals against average as a goalkeeper. His last name is pronounced "DEED-itch."
HUFANGA—He made 2017 PrepStar Dream Team, Max Preps All-American second team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Orange County Register Fab 15 second team, Tacoma News Tribune Northwest Nuggets and USA Today All-Oregon first team as a senior safety and wide receiver at Crescent Valley High in Corvallis (Ore.). In 2017, he had 44 tackles, with 7 for losses, 4 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble and 1 blocked field goal on defense and 35 receptions for 696 yards (19.9 avg) with 11 TDs plus 490 yards on 39 carries (12.6 avg) with 7 TDs on offense. As a 2016 junior, he made USA Today All-Oregon second team as he had 19 tackles, with 3 for losses, 3 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery on defense and 643 yards on 74 carries (8.7 avg) with 17 TDs plus completed 35-of-75 passes (48.0%) for 846 yards with 7 TDs and 2 interceptions on offense. He also played basketball at Crescent Valley. His cousin is USC redshirt freshman defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu. His name is pronounced "tal-uh-NOE-uh who-FAWN-guh."
MAUGA—He made 2017 PrepStar All-America, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-Hawaii Defensive Player of the Year and KHON2/Cover2 Manti Te'o Defensive Player of the Year as a senior linebacker and tight end at Waianae (Hi.) High. He had 52.5 tackles, including 5 for losses (with 3 sacks), 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 3 defensive TDs in 2017. As a 2016 junior, he made All-State third team. He also was on the track team (sprints, hurdles, weights, jumps) at Waianae. His name is pronounced "kuh-NYE-ee MOW-guh."
SCOTT—He was a 4-year starting linebacker at Narbonne High in Harbor City (Calif.), playing outside linebacker as a 2017 senior and inside linebacker before that. In 2017, he made PrepStar Dream Team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, All-L.A. City first team and South Bay Daily Breeze All-South Bay first team while recording 94 tackles, including 15 for losses, plus 3 deflections, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble and 1 blocked punt as Narbonne won the L.A. City Open Division championship and the California Division I-A Bowl. As a 2016 junior, he made Max Preps Junior All-American second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team, USA Today All-California second team, All-L.A. City first team, South Bay Daily Breeze All-South Bay first team and All-Marine League first team while getting 100 tackles, with 7 for losses, plus 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 3 deflections as Narbonne won the L.A. City Division I title. As a 2015 sophomore, he made Max Preps Sophomore All-American first team and South Bay Daily Breeze All-South Bay second team while getting 140 tackles, with 6 sacks, plus 4 deflections, 1 interception and 1 forced fumble as Narbonne won the L.A. City Division I crown and the California Division I-A Bowl.
TREMBLAY—He made 2017 PrepStar All-Western Region, JC Athletic Bureau All-California Region I first team and All-National Nor Cal Conference as a sophomore defensive tackle at American River Community College in Sacramento (Calif.). In 2017, he had 44 tackles, including 9.5 for losses (with 4.5 sacks), 2 forced fumbles and 1 deflection. As a 2016 freshman, he had 30 tackles, including 6.5 for losses (with 3 sacks), a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He took a year off from school in 2014 and was a part-time student at American River in 2015 after injuring his knee. He made 2013 All-Monticello Empire League first team as a senior defensive lineman and second team as a tight end at Vintage High in Napa (Calif.). In 2013, he had 48 tackles, including 3 for losses (with 2 sacks), and 3 deflections on defense and 2 receptions for 30 yards (15.0 avg) with 1 TD on offense. As a 2012 junior, he made All-Monticello Empire League first team as a linebacker and second team as a tight end while getting 56 tackles, with 3.5 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery on defense. He also played basketball at Vintage, averaging 4.9 points and 5.2 rebounds.
C. WILLIAMS—He made 2017 PrepStar All-American, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Orange County Register Fab 15 second team, All-CIF Division 4 and Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area second team as a senior wide receiver and cornerback at Roosevelt High in Eastvale (Calif.). In 2017, he had 50 receptions for 785 yards (15.7 avg) with 12 TDs and 25 tackles with 1 interception. As a 2016 junior, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior third team, All-CIF Division 5 and Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area second team as he had 42 receptions for 1,007 yards (24.0 avg) with 19 TDs and 37 tackles with 1 interception. As a 2015 sophomore, he had 34 receptions for 620 yards (18.2 avg) with 6 TDs and 4 tackles. As a 2014 freshman, he had 3 receptions for 50 yards (16.7 avg).
BIOGRAPHIES ON USC FOOTBALL'S DECEMBER EARLY SIGNING PERIOD 2018 FALL ENROLLEES
DOUGLASS—He made 2017 Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Medium Schools first team, PrepStar All-Western Region, All-CIF Division 5 and Los Angeles Daily News All-Area first team as a senior 2-way lineman (tackle on offense) at Harvard-Westlake School in Studio City (Calif.). In 2017, he had 16 tackles, with 4 sacks, and a forced fumble on defense. As a 2016 junior in his first year playing football, he made All-Angelus League Co-Lineman of the Year. He also was on the baseball, track and wrestling teams at Harvard-Westlake.
GAOTEOTE—He made 2017 Max Preps All-American first team, PrepStar Dream Team, USA Today All-USA second team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-Nevada Defensive Player of the Year and Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year finalist as a senior linebacker at Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas (Nev.). In 2017, he made 80 tackles, including 20 for losses (with 3 sacks), 2 deflections, 2 forced fumbles and 3 blocked punts (he also caught a 6-yard TD pass). Bishop Gorman won its ninth straight state title. As a 2016 junior, he made Max Preps Junior All-American first team and USA Today All-Nevada first team while getting 68 tackles, including 11.5 for losses (with 2 sacks), 2 deflections, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. Bishop Gorman won its second consecutive national championship. As a 2015 sophomore, he had 92 tackles, including 13.5 for losses (with 3 sacks), 1 interception, 3 deflections and 1 forced fumble as Bishop Gorman was the national champion. Current Trojan Bubba Bolden also prepped at Bishop Gorman. He spent his 2014 freshman year playing at Mililani (Hi.) High, which won the state championship. Current Trojan Vavae Malepeai also prepped at Mililani. He spent his youth in American Samoa. His uncle is Ma'a Tanuvasa, who played defensive end at Hawaii (1990-92), then with the Denver Broncos (1995-2000), where he won Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII, San Diego Chargers (2001) and Atlanta Falcons (2002). His cousin, also named Ma'a Tanuvasa, is a sophomore safety at Boise State, while another cousin, Haskell Garrett, is a sophomore defensive lineman at Ohio State. His name is pronounced "pa-la-EE-ae nah-OE-tae-OE-tae."
McCLAIN—He made 2017 PrepStar All-Western Region, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, Los Angeles Times All-Area, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Trinity League Defensive Player of the Year as a senior linebacker and tight end at JSerra Catholic High in San Juan Capistrano (Calif.). In 2017, he had 45 tackles, including 18 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 1 forced fumble on defense and 9 receptions for 175 yards (19.4 avg) with 1 TD on offense. He also played basketball at JSerra, averaging 8.4 points and 4.6 rebounds as a 2017 junior. Before that, he attended Santa Margarita High in Rancho Santa Margarita. As a 2016 junior there, he had 51 tackles, including 8 for a loss (with 7.5 sacks), 1 deflection, 2 forced fumbles and 1 blocked field goal. As a 2015 sophomore, he had 11 tackles, including 2 for losses.
STEPP—He made 2017 PrepStar All-American, Indianapolis Star All-Central Indiana Super Team and Indianapolis Star All-City as a senior running back at Cathedral High in Indianapolis (Ind.). In 2017, he ran for 975 yards on 124 carries (7.9 avg) with 17 TDs and had 4 receptions for 24 yards (6.0 avg) despite missing 3 games with an injury. He missed most of his 2016 junior season with a hamstring injury that occurred on his first carry of the season. As a 2015 sophomore, he ran for 888 yards on 104 carries (8.5 avg) with 12 TDs and caught 3 passes for 32 yards (10.7 avg). His father, Marcus Stepp, played football at Miami (Ohio) in 1994 and 1995. His brother, Marcus Jr., is a senior outside linebacker at Saint Francis, which won the 2016 and 2017 NAIA national championships.
Today's signees join 10 other players who signed in December's early signing period to comprise USC's 2018 signing class.
USC's class is ranked in the national Top 5 by Rivals, 247 Sports and PrepStar. The average star rating of the Trojans' signees is the highest of any school in the country in the Rivals and 247 Sports rankings.
Today's signees are, alphabetically: QB JT Daniels of Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.); DB Olaijah Griffin of Mission Viejo (Calif.) High; WR Amon-Ra St. Brown of Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.); DB Isaac Taylor-Stuart of Helix High in La Mesa (Calif.); DL Trevor Trout of Chaminade College Prep in St. Louis (Mo.); LB Solomon Tuliaupupu of Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.); WR Devon Williams of Antelope Valley High in Lancaster (Calif.); and LB Eli'jah Winston of Central Catholic High in Portland (Ore.).
"First of all, congratulations to all of the players who found their college fit today," said Helton. "It is special when you get to continue your education while also playing football. I'm very proud to introduce the 18 young men who make up our 2018 class. We welcome them to the Trojan Family. They all bring elite talent and will represent USC well on and off the field. I'd also like to acknowledge our coaching staff who worked tirelessly to sign this tremendous class."
Alphabetically, USC's December signees were: OL Justin Dedich of Chaparral High in Temecula (Calif.); OL Liam Douglass of Harvard Westlake High in Studio City (Calif.); LB Palaie Gaoteote IV of Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas (Nev.); DB Talanoa Hufanga of Crescent Valley High in Corvallis (Ore.); LB Kana'i Mauga of Waianae (Hi.) High; LB Abdul-Malik McClain of JSerra Catholic High in San Juan Capistrano (Calif.); LB Raymond Scott of Narbonne High in Harbor City (Calif.); RB Markese Stepp of Cathedral High in Indianapolis (Ind.); DL Caleb Tremblay of American River Community College in Sacramento (Calif.); and DB Chase Williams of Roosevelt High in Eastvale (Calif.).
Five of those December signees (Dedich, Hufanga, Mauga, Scott, Williams) graduated early from high school and enrolled at USC in January along with the junior college signee (Tremblay). All six will participate in the upcoming spring practice. The other four December signees will join the Trojan program in the fall along with today's signees.
USC football season tickets are available by at USCTrojans.com/football2018 or by calling 213-740-GOSC (4672).
Biographies of USC's February and December signees are below.
USC FOOTBALL FEBRUARY REGULAR SIGNING PERIOD 2018 CLASS SIGNEES
FALL ENROLLMENT
HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS
NAME POS HGT WGT HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL)
JT Daniels QB 6-3 205 Irvine, CA (Mater Dei)
Olaijah Griffin DB 6-0 180 Long Beach, CA (Mission Viejo)
Amon-Ra St. Brown WR 6-1 190 Anaheim Hills, CA (Mater Dei)
Isaac Taylor-Stuart DB 6-2 190 San Diego, CA (Helix)
Trevor Trout DL 6-4 300 Ferguson, MO (Chaminade College Prep)
Solomon Tuliaupupu LB 6-3 230 Santa Ana, CA (Mater Dei)
Devon Williams WR 6-4 200 Lancaster, CA (Antelope Valley)
Eli'jah Winston LB 6-3 230 Portland, OR (Central Catholic)
BIOGRAPHIES ON USC FOOTBALL'S FEBRUARY REGULAR SIGNING PERIOD 2018 FALL ENROLLEES
DANIELS— He is the second Trojan football player to graduate a full year early from high school in order to enroll at USC, joining John David Booty, who did so in 2003. He was 2017 Gatorade National Player of the Year, Max Preps National Player of the Year, National High School Coaches Association Player of the Year, USA Today All-USA first team, PrepStar Dream Team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Gatorade California Player of the Year, USA Today All-California Player of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports State Player of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, Max Preps Junior All-American first team, All-CIF Division 1 Offensive Player of the Year, Los Angeles Times All-Area Player of the Year and Orange County Register All-Orange County Offensive Player of the Year as a junior quarterback at Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.). In 2017, He completed 262-of-365 passes (71.8%) for 4,123 yards with 52 TDs and only 4 interceptions and he ran for 561 yards on 63 carries (8.9 avg) with 9 TDs. Mater Dei went 15-0 in 2017, won the California CIF Division 1 title and the California State Open Division crown and was named the prep national champions. As a 2016 sophomore, he was Max Preps All-American second team, Max Preps Sophomore All-American Player of the Year, Gatorade California Player of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports State Sophomore of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Division 1, Los Angeles Times All-Area Back of the Year, Orange County Register All-Orange County Offensive Player of the Year and All-Trinity League MVP. In 2016, he completed 315-of-423 passes (74.5%) for an Orange County record 4,849 yards with an Orange County record 67 TDs and just 6 interceptions, plus he ran for 37 yards on 25 carries (1.5 avg) with 2 TDs as Mater Dei went 13-1 and was the CIF Division 1 runnerup. As a 2015 freshman, he made Max Preps Freshman All-American first team and All-Trinity League first team while completing 174-of-313 passes (55.6%) for 3,042 yards with 33 TDs and just 4 interceptions (he also rushed for 2 scores). In his 3-year career, he was 751-of-1,101 (68.2%) for 12,014 yards with 152 TDs and 14 interceptions. Current Trojans Jonathan Lockett, Frank Martin II, Chase McGrath and Connor Rossow and incoming Trojans Amon-Ra St. Brown and Solomon Tuliaupupu also prepped at Mater Dei.
GRIFFIN—He made 2017 Max Preps All-American first team, PrepStar Dream Team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Division 1, Los Angeles Times All-Area Back of the Year, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-South Coast League MVP as a senior cornerback and wide receiver at Mission Viejo (Calif.) High. In 2017, he had 40 tackles, including 2 for losses, plus an interception, 4 deflections and 2 forced fumbles on defense, caught 33 passes for 875 yards (26.5 avg) with 12 TDs on offense and had 4 punt returns for 122 yards (30.5 avg) with 1 TD and 2 kickoff returns for 55 yards (27.5 avg). As a 2016 junior, he made Max Preps Junior All-American first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team, All-CIF Division 1, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-South Coast League first team while getting 35 tackles (4 for losses), 2 interceptions and 2 interceptions, plus catching 39 passes for 759 yards (19.5 avg) with 11 TDs. As a 2015 sophomore, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomore first team, All-CIF West Valley Division, Orange County Register All-Orange County second team and All-South Coast League first team. Current Trojan Cole Smith also prepped at Mission Viejo. His father is rapper and hip-hop producer Warren G. His first name is pronounced "uh-LIE-jhuh."
ST. BROWN—He made 2017 USA Today All-USA first team, PrepStar Dream Team, Max Preps All-American first team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Division 1, Los Angeles Times All-Area, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Trinity League MVP as a senior wide receiver at Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.). In 2017 despite missing some early-season games with a hand injury, he had 72 receptions for 1,320 yards (18.3 avg) with 20 TDs, plus he returned 12 punts for 238 yards (19.8 avg) with 2 TDs and had an 11-yard kickoff return. Mater Dei went 15-0 in 2017, won the California CIF Division 1 title and the California State Open Division crown and was named the prep national champions. As a 2016 junior, he made Max Preps Junior All-American, USA Today All-California first team, Max Preps All-State Large Schools first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team, All-CIF Division 1, Los Angeles Times All-Area first team, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Trinity League first team as he caught 60 passes for 1,229 yards (20.5 avg) with 21 TDs and had 16 punt returns for 260 yards (16.3 avg) with 1 TD. Mater Dei went 13-1 in 2016 and was the CIF Division 1 runnerup. As a 2015 sophomore, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomore second team as he had 22 receptions for 373 yards (17.0 avg) with 3 TDs and he returned 11 kickoffs for 335 yards (30.5 avg). His 44 career TD catches is an Orange County record. Current Trojans Jonathan Lockett, Frank Martin II, Chase McGrath and Connor Rossow and incoming Trojans JT Daniels and Solomon Tuliaupupu also prepped at Mater Dei. He spent his 2014 freshman season at Servite High in Anaheim (Calif.). Current Trojan Clayton Johnston also prepped at Servite. He is fluent in German (his mother, Miriam, is from Germany) and French (he lived in Paris as a fourth grader). His father, John Brown, was a bodybuilder who won 2 Mr. Universe and 3 Mr. World titles in the 1980s. His full name is Amon-Ra Julian Heru J. St. Brown (he was named after the Egyptian sun god Amon-Ra and sky god Heru). His first name is pronounced "AW-mun-raw." His brother, Equanimeous, was a wide receiver at Notre Dame (2015-17) who in his 3 meetings against USC blocked a punt that was returned for a TD in 2015, caught a TD pass among his 7 receptions in 2016 and caught another TD in 2017, while his brother, Osiris, is a redshirt freshman wide receiver at Stanford.
TAYLOR-STUART—He made 2017 USA Today All-USA first team, Prep Star Dream Team, Max Preps All-American second team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team and All-CIF San Diego first team as a senior defensive back, running back and wide receiver at Helix High in La Mesa (Calif.). In 2017, he had 77 tackles, 6 interceptions, 12 deflections and 2 fumble recoveries (1 for a TD) on defense, 422 yards on 37 carries (11.4 avg) with 8 TDs plus 15 receptions for 212 yards (14.4 avg) with 2 TDs on offense and 4 kickoff returns for 65 yards (16.3 avg). He spent his first 3 years of high school at St. Augustine High in San Diego (Calif.). As a 2016 junior, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team and All-CIF San Diego first team as he had 41 tackles (2 for losses, with a sack), 5 deflections and an interception on defense, 9 receptions for 109 yards (8.4 avg) with 1 TD and 645 yards on 69 carries (9.3 avg) with 7 TDs on offense and 10 kickoff returns for 361 yards (36.1 avg) with 1 TD. As a 2015 sophomore, he had 56 tackles (3 for losses), 3 interceptions, 13 deflections, 1 fumble recovery and 1 blocked field goal along with a 10-yard kickoff return. As a 2014 freshman, he had 37 tackles, 3 interceptions and 8 deflections. He also was on St. Augustine's track team, posting bests of 11.38 in the 100 meters, 22.43 in the 200 meters, 23-4.5 in the long jump and 45-7 in the triple jump.
TROUT—He made 2017 Prep Star Dream Team as a senior 2-way tackle at Chaminade College Prep in St. Louis (Mo.). He missed part of his 2017 senior season with a hamstring injury. As a 2016 junior, he made USA Today All-Missouri second team, All-District first team, All-Metro and All-Metro Catholic Conference while getting 60 tackles, with 4 sacks. As a 2015 sophomore, Chaminade played in the State Class 5 championship game. As a 2014 freshman, he made Max Preps Freshman All-American second team while getting 31 tackles, with 1 sack. He also was on Chaminade's track team (shot put and discus).
TULIAUPUPU—He won the 2017 High School Butkus Award and made 2017 USA Today All-USA Defensive Player of the Year, PrepStar Dream Team, Max Preps All-American first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Orange County Register Fab 15 second team, USA Today All-California Defensive Player of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Division 1 Defensive Player of the Year, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Trinity League first team as a senior inside linebacker at Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.). In 2017 despite suffering a season-ending foot injury in the playoffs, he had 63 tackles, including 12 for losses (with 4 sacks), a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. Mater Dei went 15-0 in 2017, won the California CIF Division 1 title and the California State Open Division crown and was named the prep national champions. Current Trojans Jonathan Lockett, Frank Martin II, Chase McGrath and Connor Rossow and incoming Trojans Amon-Ra St. Brown and JT Daniels also prepped at Mater Dei. He spent his first 3 years of high school at Claremont (Calif.) High. As a 2016 junior, he made Max Preps Junior All-American first team, Max Preps All-State Medium Schools second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team, All-CIF Division 7, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin All-Area and All-Palomares League MVP while getting 126 tackles, including 18 for losses (with 2 sacks), 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble and a blocked field goal. As a 2015 sophomore, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomore first team while getting 140 tackles, including 6 for losses (with 1 sack), and a deflection. As a 2014 freshman, he had 70 tackles (1 for a loss), 3 deflections and a fumble recovery for a TD. Current Trojan Jordan Austin also prepped at Claremont. His father, Turnbull, was an offensive lineman at Southern Utah (2000-01). His uncle, Pene Talamaivao, was a defensive tackle at Utah (1994-97), then played professionally for 8 years with the NFL's Buffalo Bills in 1998 (and in NFL Europe that year) and San Diego Chargers (1999-2000), XFL's San Francisco Dragons (2001), CFL's Ottawa RoughRiders (2002-04) and Arena Football League's Detroit Fury (2004-05). He cut his long hair in 2017 for the first time since the fifth grade as a show of support of cancer victims and survivors. He spent part of his youth in Utah. His last name is pronounced "too-lee-ow-POO-poo." His full name is Solomon Nokeakua-Stroud Tuliaupupu. His nickname is Solo.
D. WILLIAMS—He made 2017 PrepStar Dream Team, Max Preps All-American second team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Medium Schools first team, All-CIF Division 8 Offensive Co-Player of the Year and Los Angeles Daily News All-Area second team as a senior wide receiver, quarterback and safety at Antelope Valley High in Lancaster (Calif.). He had 71 receptions for 1,157 yards (16.3 avg) with 13 TDs on offense, had 67 tackles (1 for a loss), 5 interceptions (1 for a TD), 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery on defense and had 4 punt returns for 39 yards (9.8 avg) and 3 kickoff returns for 63 yards (21.0 avg). As a 2016 junior, he completed 71-of-134 passes (53.0%) for 1,150 yards with 11 TDs and 4 interceptions, ran for 397 yards on 72 carries (5.5 avg) with 3 TDs and caught 10 passes for 87 yards (8.7 avg) with 2 TDs on offense, had 55 tackles (1 for a loss), 5 interceptions (1 for a TD), 5 deflections and 4 forced fumbles on defense and returned 2 kickoffs for 48 yards (24.0 avg) and had a 27-yard punt return. He also was on the basketball and track (high hurdles and long jump) teams at Antelope Valley…His first name is pronounced "DEV-un."
WINSTON—He made 2017 Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Tacoma News Tribune Northwest Nuggets Best of the Rest and USA Today All-Oregon second team as a senior outside linebacker at Central Catholic High in Portland (Ore.). In 2017, he had 14 tackles, including 5 for losses (with 4 sacks) and a fumble recovery. As a 2016 junior, he made USA Today All-Oregon first team while getting 15 tackles (3 for losses) and a fumble recovery. His brother, La'Mar, is a junior linebacker at Oregon. His first name is pronounced "uh-LIE-jhuh."
USC FOOTBALL DECEMBER EARLY SIGNING PERIOD 2018 CLASS SIGNEES
SPRING ENROLLMENT
JUNIOR COLLEGE PLAYERS
NAME POS HGT WGT HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL/JC)
Caleb Tremblay DL 6-5 275 Napa, CA (Vintage/American River CC)
SPRING ENROLLMENT
HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS
NAME POS HGT WGT HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL)
Justin Dedich OL 6-2 290 Temecula, CA (Chaparral)
Talanoa Hufanga DB 6-1 215 Corvallis, OR (Crescent Valley)
Kana'i Mauga LB 6-2 220 Waianae, HI (Waianae)
Raymond Scott LB 6-2 220 Harbor City, CA (Narbonne)
Chase Williams DB 6-2 190 Corona, CA (Roosevelt)
FALL ENROLLMENT
HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS
NAME POS HGT WGT HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL)
Liam Douglass OL 6-5 285 Topanga, CA (Harvard Westlake)
Palaie Gaoteote IV LB 6-2 235 Las Vegas, NV (Bishop Gorman)
Abdul-Malik McClain LB 6-4 230 San Juan Capistrano, CA (JSerra Catholic)
Markese Stepp RB 6-0 230 Indianapolis, IN (Cathedral)
BIOGRAPHIES ON USC FOOTBALL'S DECEMBER EARLY SIGNING PERIOD 2018 SPRING ENROLLEES
DEDICH—He made 2017 PrepStar All-American, Max Preps All-American second team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Division 5, Los Angeles Times All-Area and Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area first team as a senior 2-way lineman (primarily center on offense) at Chaparral High in Temecula (Calif.). In 2017, he had 15 tackles, with 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble on defense. As a 2016 junior, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team and Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area second team. He also played soccer at Chaparral, with a 1.333 goals against average as a goalkeeper. His last name is pronounced "DEED-itch."
HUFANGA—He made 2017 PrepStar Dream Team, Max Preps All-American second team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Orange County Register Fab 15 second team, Tacoma News Tribune Northwest Nuggets and USA Today All-Oregon first team as a senior safety and wide receiver at Crescent Valley High in Corvallis (Ore.). In 2017, he had 44 tackles, with 7 for losses, 4 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble and 1 blocked field goal on defense and 35 receptions for 696 yards (19.9 avg) with 11 TDs plus 490 yards on 39 carries (12.6 avg) with 7 TDs on offense. As a 2016 junior, he made USA Today All-Oregon second team as he had 19 tackles, with 3 for losses, 3 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery on defense and 643 yards on 74 carries (8.7 avg) with 17 TDs plus completed 35-of-75 passes (48.0%) for 846 yards with 7 TDs and 2 interceptions on offense. He also played basketball at Crescent Valley. His cousin is USC redshirt freshman defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu. His name is pronounced "tal-uh-NOE-uh who-FAWN-guh."
MAUGA—He made 2017 PrepStar All-America, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-Hawaii Defensive Player of the Year and KHON2/Cover2 Manti Te'o Defensive Player of the Year as a senior linebacker and tight end at Waianae (Hi.) High. He had 52.5 tackles, including 5 for losses (with 3 sacks), 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 3 defensive TDs in 2017. As a 2016 junior, he made All-State third team. He also was on the track team (sprints, hurdles, weights, jumps) at Waianae. His name is pronounced "kuh-NYE-ee MOW-guh."
SCOTT—He was a 4-year starting linebacker at Narbonne High in Harbor City (Calif.), playing outside linebacker as a 2017 senior and inside linebacker before that. In 2017, he made PrepStar Dream Team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, All-L.A. City first team and South Bay Daily Breeze All-South Bay first team while recording 94 tackles, including 15 for losses, plus 3 deflections, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble and 1 blocked punt as Narbonne won the L.A. City Open Division championship and the California Division I-A Bowl. As a 2016 junior, he made Max Preps Junior All-American second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team, USA Today All-California second team, All-L.A. City first team, South Bay Daily Breeze All-South Bay first team and All-Marine League first team while getting 100 tackles, with 7 for losses, plus 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 3 deflections as Narbonne won the L.A. City Division I title. As a 2015 sophomore, he made Max Preps Sophomore All-American first team and South Bay Daily Breeze All-South Bay second team while getting 140 tackles, with 6 sacks, plus 4 deflections, 1 interception and 1 forced fumble as Narbonne won the L.A. City Division I crown and the California Division I-A Bowl.
TREMBLAY—He made 2017 PrepStar All-Western Region, JC Athletic Bureau All-California Region I first team and All-National Nor Cal Conference as a sophomore defensive tackle at American River Community College in Sacramento (Calif.). In 2017, he had 44 tackles, including 9.5 for losses (with 4.5 sacks), 2 forced fumbles and 1 deflection. As a 2016 freshman, he had 30 tackles, including 6.5 for losses (with 3 sacks), a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He took a year off from school in 2014 and was a part-time student at American River in 2015 after injuring his knee. He made 2013 All-Monticello Empire League first team as a senior defensive lineman and second team as a tight end at Vintage High in Napa (Calif.). In 2013, he had 48 tackles, including 3 for losses (with 2 sacks), and 3 deflections on defense and 2 receptions for 30 yards (15.0 avg) with 1 TD on offense. As a 2012 junior, he made All-Monticello Empire League first team as a linebacker and second team as a tight end while getting 56 tackles, with 3.5 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery on defense. He also played basketball at Vintage, averaging 4.9 points and 5.2 rebounds.
C. WILLIAMS—He made 2017 PrepStar All-American, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Orange County Register Fab 15 second team, All-CIF Division 4 and Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area second team as a senior wide receiver and cornerback at Roosevelt High in Eastvale (Calif.). In 2017, he had 50 receptions for 785 yards (15.7 avg) with 12 TDs and 25 tackles with 1 interception. As a 2016 junior, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior third team, All-CIF Division 5 and Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area second team as he had 42 receptions for 1,007 yards (24.0 avg) with 19 TDs and 37 tackles with 1 interception. As a 2015 sophomore, he had 34 receptions for 620 yards (18.2 avg) with 6 TDs and 4 tackles. As a 2014 freshman, he had 3 receptions for 50 yards (16.7 avg).
BIOGRAPHIES ON USC FOOTBALL'S DECEMBER EARLY SIGNING PERIOD 2018 FALL ENROLLEES
DOUGLASS—He made 2017 Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Medium Schools first team, PrepStar All-Western Region, All-CIF Division 5 and Los Angeles Daily News All-Area first team as a senior 2-way lineman (tackle on offense) at Harvard-Westlake School in Studio City (Calif.). In 2017, he had 16 tackles, with 4 sacks, and a forced fumble on defense. As a 2016 junior in his first year playing football, he made All-Angelus League Co-Lineman of the Year. He also was on the baseball, track and wrestling teams at Harvard-Westlake.
GAOTEOTE—He made 2017 Max Preps All-American first team, PrepStar Dream Team, USA Today All-USA second team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-Nevada Defensive Player of the Year and Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year finalist as a senior linebacker at Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas (Nev.). In 2017, he made 80 tackles, including 20 for losses (with 3 sacks), 2 deflections, 2 forced fumbles and 3 blocked punts (he also caught a 6-yard TD pass). Bishop Gorman won its ninth straight state title. As a 2016 junior, he made Max Preps Junior All-American first team and USA Today All-Nevada first team while getting 68 tackles, including 11.5 for losses (with 2 sacks), 2 deflections, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. Bishop Gorman won its second consecutive national championship. As a 2015 sophomore, he had 92 tackles, including 13.5 for losses (with 3 sacks), 1 interception, 3 deflections and 1 forced fumble as Bishop Gorman was the national champion. Current Trojan Bubba Bolden also prepped at Bishop Gorman. He spent his 2014 freshman year playing at Mililani (Hi.) High, which won the state championship. Current Trojan Vavae Malepeai also prepped at Mililani. He spent his youth in American Samoa. His uncle is Ma'a Tanuvasa, who played defensive end at Hawaii (1990-92), then with the Denver Broncos (1995-2000), where he won Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII, San Diego Chargers (2001) and Atlanta Falcons (2002). His cousin, also named Ma'a Tanuvasa, is a sophomore safety at Boise State, while another cousin, Haskell Garrett, is a sophomore defensive lineman at Ohio State. His name is pronounced "pa-la-EE-ae nah-OE-tae-OE-tae."
McCLAIN—He made 2017 PrepStar All-Western Region, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, Los Angeles Times All-Area, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Trinity League Defensive Player of the Year as a senior linebacker and tight end at JSerra Catholic High in San Juan Capistrano (Calif.). In 2017, he had 45 tackles, including 18 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 1 forced fumble on defense and 9 receptions for 175 yards (19.4 avg) with 1 TD on offense. He also played basketball at JSerra, averaging 8.4 points and 4.6 rebounds as a 2017 junior. Before that, he attended Santa Margarita High in Rancho Santa Margarita. As a 2016 junior there, he had 51 tackles, including 8 for a loss (with 7.5 sacks), 1 deflection, 2 forced fumbles and 1 blocked field goal. As a 2015 sophomore, he had 11 tackles, including 2 for losses.
STEPP—He made 2017 PrepStar All-American, Indianapolis Star All-Central Indiana Super Team and Indianapolis Star All-City as a senior running back at Cathedral High in Indianapolis (Ind.). In 2017, he ran for 975 yards on 124 carries (7.9 avg) with 17 TDs and had 4 receptions for 24 yards (6.0 avg) despite missing 3 games with an injury. He missed most of his 2016 junior season with a hamstring injury that occurred on his first carry of the season. As a 2015 sophomore, he ran for 888 yards on 104 carries (8.5 avg) with 12 TDs and caught 3 passes for 32 yards (10.7 avg). His father, Marcus Stepp, played football at Miami (Ohio) in 1994 and 1995. His brother, Marcus Jr., is a senior outside linebacker at Saint Francis, which won the 2016 and 2017 NAIA national championships.
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