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From Samoa to USC

Offered a scholarship by USC Friday, Corona (Calif.) Centennial defensive end Austin Maloata didn't waste must time figuring out what he wanted to do with his decision on a college.
Growing up a USC fan and following the likes of Troy Polamalu, Lofa Tatupu and Rey Maualuga, Maloata called USC Friday night to end his recruitment.
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"When they offered him, he was really emotional about it," said Centennial head coach Matt Logan. "It took him a minute to gather himself. At first, I asked him, 'If any school was to offer you, what would be your dream school?' His answer was USC.
"I said, 'Well, they want to offer you a scholarship', and he couldn't believe it. I knew it was just a matter of time before he committed. He just had to talk it over his his family back home. But he was excited and emotional, which was neat."
With no phone, Logan heard that Maloata committed through USC Saturday morning.
"Yeah, he doesn't have a phone so it's hard to reach him," said Logan. "I got a call from USC's James Cregg this morning who told me Austin had committed. Like I said, that wasn't surprising."
Maloata transferred in to Centennial two months ago after spending his high school career at Leone High School in Samoa. Going from a complete unknown to having scholarship offers from USC, Arizona State and Ole Miss, Logan is surprised by how quickly Maloata's recruitment too off.
"Yeah, I was taken back," said Logan. "I figured teams would want to see him in pads first. Coaches come by and ask me about him, and obviously he's physically powerful, but I've never seen him play in pads, so I can only say so much."
However, college coaches have wasted no time in pursuing his commitment.
"He plays with a lot of energy, he has a high motor and is a big, athletic kid," said Logan. "You see the enthusiasm he has. What surprised me is that right from the get go, he was taking the role of a leader.
"Any kid coming into a new situation like that, you figure he might be a bit reserve. But he came right in and he has been vocal. The transition has been great. New school, new system and everything, but he has come right in and adapted well."
USCFootball.com will continue to keep you updated on Austin Maloata and have more from his breaking commitment next week.
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