Trojans’ Moala has big shoes to fill

By Marc Hudgens  |   Monday, June 30, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

USC Trojans
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When USC kicks off the 2008 college football season at Virginia on Aug. 30, plenty of fans' eyes will be on Trojans linebacker Rey Maualuga, who is one of America's best defenders. As good as Maualuga is, he can't create everything on his own; without question, the departure of star defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, now a New Orleans Saint, fills a void for the Trojans. That's why the onus is on Fili Moala, who will replace Ellis, to occupy blockers in front of Maualuga. And while replacing Ellis will be a daunting task for Moala, he should be up to it.

Moala finished 2007 with 32 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. The year before, Moala accrued 52 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, eight sacks and four pass breakups. Word is that his size (6-foot-5, 295 pounds) and explosiveness have NFL scouts impressed.

Largely in the shadow of Ellis last season, Moala -- who is on the 2008 watch lists for the Outland and Nagurski Awards -- will likely emerge as the biggest disruptive force on the Trojans’ defensive line this year. If Moala does indeed live up to expectations, he will relieve some pressure from Maualuga and allow the mobile linebacker to roam the field and help the secondary, which struggled last season.

Moala’s coming-out party, if all goes well for the Trojans, will be a Sept. 13 home game against Ohio State. Busting through the Buckeyes’ O-line and stopping possible Heisman Trophy-caliber running back Chris Wells will be the first real test. Should Moala plant his flag during that game, he will be a household name in college football; of course, it also won't hurt his stock for the 2009 draft.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He ...
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