Talanoa Hufanga announced his commitment to USC tonight, confirming rumors and reports (including our own) that started circulating about a week ago.

By signing Hufanga, USC adds a Rivals100 athlete to the 2018 class and a dynamic player that could possibly play multiple positions in college (he’s expected to compete at safety for the Trojans.)

Our very own Murf Baldwin and Adam Gorney are both impressed with what Hufanga projects to be. They spoke to TrojanSports.com about the impact of Hufanga signing with USC.

Murf Baldwin on Hufanga

“USC is doing a good job of collecting good athletes and letting the process sort itself out. The landing of Corvallis (OR.) Crescent Valley athlete Talanoa Hufanga may be huge in a plethora of ways.

“His first look should come on the defensive side of the ball where he may team up with future star safety Bubba Bolden to form a duo worthy of a scheme with duality in the back end.

“Hufanga, 6-1, 194, is an explosive athlete with no regard for human life when he’s looking to stop a ball carrier or pass target. While playing a Cover-1 role might be ideal, I can see him being used much like Alabama uses future first-round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick: slot corner, in-the-box safety or deep third.

“But I would also welcome his abilities on the offensive side of the ball where he would be an ideal gadget player catching the ball out of the backfield, lining up out wide or being a Jet motion for player.

One way or another he will find himself on the field for the Trojans in some type of capacity. But the thought of him eventually filling the role of departing safety Chris Hawkins is very intriguing.”

Adam Gorney on Hufanga

“I think he’s probably one of the best safeties in the country who no one really knows about because he played in Oregon and didn’t do a whole lot of events and all those kinds of things. So he’s going to be a guy who I think really surprises a lot of people. He’s a fantastic safety, he’s great in space. He’s always around the ball making tackles, making plays. He’s just a very productive guy who’s going to fit well at USC.

“He plays both ways, he understands what offenses want to do. He really trusts his instincts and goes after it. He’s phenomenally athletic, a guy who can push towards five-star status depending on how he plays at the all-star games. He’s never faced that level of competition with pads, it’s going to be interesting to see if he can rise to the occasion or be a guy who’s kind of put in his place a little bit when we see where he is nationally. I think he’s a kid who is going to go to San Antonio and perform really, really well there.

“I think USC getting him out of Oregon is huge. It’s a big loss for Oregon and a big gain for USC. He’s a kid who can play safety, can play linebacker, he’s athletic and very smart.”