University Southern California Trojans
Players Mentioned
USC's Talanoa Hufanga Named Finalist For Lott IMPACT Trophy
January 11, 2021 | Football
LOS ANGELES — USC junior safety Talanoa Hufanga was named one of six finalists for the 2020 Lott IMPACT Trophy, presented by the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation to the defensive player who has the biggest impact on his team on and off the field.
The winner will be announced on Feb. 21.
Joining Hufanga as finalists are Northwestern linebacker Paddy Fisher, Coastal Carolina defensive end Tarron Jackson, Texas linebacker Joseph Ossai, Alabama defensive back Patrick Surtain II and Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
Hufanga, a 2020 consensus All-American first teamer, was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and an All-Pac-12 first teamer,. He led USC in tackles (62), interceptions (4) and forced fumbles (2) in 2020 and had 3 sacks. He has 17 tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception in USC's season-ending win at UCLA this year. He ranks third nationally in interceptions (0.7), 16th in forced fumbles (0.3) and 19th in tackles (10.3). He had an interception in 4 consecutive games this season, the first Trojan to do so since 1996. He also was a semifinalist for the Witten Award.
In his career, he made 203 tackles. After the 2020 season, he declared for the NFL Draft.
Off the field, Hufanga has been a frequent participant in community service opportunities coordinated by Angela Helton, USC head coach Clay Helton's wife, namely spending time with homeless youth at Safe Place for Youth and My Friend's Place. He also helped renovate an apartment for victims of domestic violence through Trojan.
Hufanga is the third Lott IMPACT Trophy finalist from USC, following Devon Kennard in 2013 and Adoree' Jackson in 2016.
IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
