Osa Masina Commits to USC: 5-Star Will Be Major Playmaker

Osa Masina is headed to USC, kicking off what could be an incredible closing stretch toward national signing day for the Trojans:

The 5-star linebacker announced his commitment Friday during a ceremony at Brighton High School near Salt Lake City, Utah. He selected USC over fellow finalists UCLA and Arizona State, schools which instantly become rivals in the Pac-12 Conference.

Masina, a versatile 6'3.5", 230-pound defender, spent an official visit with the Trojans in late November. The U.S. Army All-American appeared to be a USC lean as his decision date approached.

"My experience with USC and its coaching staff has definitely been positive," he told Bleacher Report after an All-American Bowl practice.

His offers sheet features more than 20 programs, including Notre Dame, Stanford and Oregon. Still, the Trojans secured 58 percent of expert predictions in 247Sports' Crystal Ball.

USC coaches traveled to Utah for a late check-in earlier this week, sealing the deal during their visit:

Masina, rated third nationally among outside linebackers in 247Sports' composite rankings, is a pivotal pickup for the Trojans. He is the first uncommitted player on USC's wish list to announce his decision, giving the program its first of what could be considered a "Final Five."

Steve Sarkisian and company are primarily focused on securing four more top-flight pledges by national signing day. The targeted group also includes 5-star cornerback Iman Marshall, 5-star defensive tackle Rasheem Green, 4-star linebacker John Houston and 4-star linebacker/defensive end Porter Gustin.

With Masina officially on board, it's fair for Trojans fans to fantasize about a possible star-studded flurry of commitments.

"The most important thing I took from my official visit to USC was how I felt around the players, recruits and coaching staff," he told Scott Schrader of 247Sports. "I also will have an opportunity for some early playing time, and that is something else that was important to me."

A USC roster once ravaged by scholarship restrictions is beginning to again fill up with elite playmakers.

Put Masina in the mix as an edge defender who could contribute immediately in pass-rush settings and has enough size to patrol the perimeter with authority.

Bleacher Report recruiting analyst Sanjay Kirpalani broke down his skill set during B/R's CFB Recruiting 200 series.

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Masina flashes great instincts and the ability to diagnose run plays. He also has some pass-rushing skills as an edge-rusher and he’s adept at blitzing from a variety of angles. He’s got the versatility to play either inside or outside. If he can prove to be effective in coverage, he will likely end up playing on the outside.

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Masina compiled career highs in 2014 with 97 tackles and 10 sacks, per MaxPreps. His athleticism shined on both sides of the ball at Brighton, where he rushed for 2,239 yards and 33 touchdowns as an upperclassman.

There's still a lot more work in store for USC to realize its dream scenario on signing day, but a commitment from Masina signifies a strong start toward the ultimate goal.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.