Pola-Mao commits to USC
Phoenix, Ariz. - - As USC’s defensive backfield is maturing, an incredible need for talented high school safety in the 2017 class is becoming apparent for the Trojans.
Luckily, USC was able to address that issue without much of a hiccup at all. At the beginning of January, this coaching staff already secured a commitment from Rivals100 safety Bubba Bolden.
Around that same time, USC was putting the finishing touches on recruiting Isaiah Pola-Mao to play safety for them as well. Pola-Mao is a versatile prospect that’s actually ranked by Rivals.com as an athlete. And not just as an athlete but as a Rivals100 athlete. In other words, he’s a very capable football player. For more evidence of that, just look at his list of scholarship offers.
USC offered Pola-Mao a scholarship in the spring and stayed consistent in recruiting him. And Pola-Mao always showed interest, despite having plenty of other options. He visited USC’s campus multiple times, including an official visit on the weekend of January 20 that may have sealed the deal.
On Friday, it became clear to the world that USC’s efforts with Pola-Mao paid off. He held an announcement ceremony at Mountain Pointe HS and committed to being a Trojan.
“I’m looking forward to playing with all my Polynesian brothers on the team and not only them but everybody else on the team,” Pola-Mao told TrojanSports.com when asked about why he committed to USC. “Jack Jones, he has a bright future, the whole defense has a bright future and we’re going to turn heads.”
The Trojans have already turned some heads this season. USC was picked to as a fringe top-25 team before the season and then started with a blowout loss to Alabama and a 1-3 start. But that 1-3 start turned into a 10-3 regular season record and a finish in the top 5.
The 6-foot-3 and 190-pound prospect thinks that’s just the start of the Clay Helton era at USC.
“It’s only going to get better from here,” Pola-Mao said. “We’re bringing in dudes, we’re bringing in guys that are ready to play, coming to compete. So it’s only going to get better from here.”
In fact, Pola-Mao says Clay Helton is a big part of the reason why he decided to commit to USC.
“Starting with the head man,” Pola-Mao said. “Coach Helton preaches faith, family and football and it trickles down into each and every coach and player. He really is genuine and he loves all his players and that’s why I want to play for him.”
He’ll have his chance soon enough. Pola-Mao plans to sign a letter of intent for USC this coming Wednesday.