The Basics:
Name: Rey Maualuga
Number: 58
Height: 6-3
Weight: 250 lbs.
Class: Senior
The Lowdown:
Rey Maualuga probably hasn't received as much hype as he deserves. Maybe that's because he plays in the PAC-10, a conference not exactly known for linebackers. Or maybe it's because he gets lost in the shuffle of all the other superstars playing for Pete Carroll out at USC. Regardless, anyone who's seen this kid play knows he's one of the best linebackers in the country. Fast and powerful, Maualuga moves sideline-to-sideline as well as anyone, and his hits have become legendary. Maualuga might not win the Butkus Award this year, but he'll certainly be in the mix -- as well he should be.
By The Numbers:
In his second season as a starter, Maualuga in 2007 led the Trojans with 79 tackles, including 10.5 for a loss. He also recorded six sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and three passes defended. The numbers were eerily similar to the ones he posted in 2006: 78 tackles, five tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble and three passes defended.
Career Highlight:
Maualuga was already a star by the time he took the field for the 2008 Rose Bowl against Illinois. But his outstanding performance against the Illini elevated him to "elite" status. Maualuga overwhelmed the Illini offensive front, recording three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception en route to earning Rose Bowl Defensive MVP honors.
2008 Outlook:
Ohio State's James Laurinaitis is considered by many experts to be the nation's best linebacker. But Maualuga has a great chance to change some minds when the Buckeyes visit Los Angeles on Sept. 13 for what figures to be one of the premier matchups of the entire 2008 season. A winning performance against Laurinaitis and the Buckeyes would propel USC toward the BCS championship game -- and make Maualuga the early favorite for the Butkus Award.
