USC Football Recruiting: Where Will Trojans Turn If Viliami Moala Heads to Cal?

For months, USC has been in a heavyweight recruiting slug match with Cal for the commitment of Grant (CA) defensive tackle Viliami Moala.

With the sanctions levied upon them, the Trojans have seen their roster purged by transfers and a lack of numbers, thus they have been forced to get creative in recruiting. They are in dire need of a player like Moala and have gone after him hard, but he seems destined for Berkley.

Let's check out who else the Men of Troy can turn to if Moala indeed does declare for Cal.

What Exactly Is All the Fuss About?

Moala is a 6'2", 325-pound terror, that's why. He's extremely strong and can push the pocket from the middle in the pass rush. Moala is also a space eater by natural physical size but also plays the run with strength to control opposing offensive linemen.

With a lot of linemen, especially interior defensive tackles, they don't always play with a great motor and intensity every down. With Moala, that is not the case at all, as he has drawn praise for his constantly revved up motor.

Townsend Has Already Pledged to Troy

Trojan fans, I know Moala would be a huge get (pun intended this time) to come to Los Angeles, but it is not the end of the world if he winds up at Cal.

Do not forget that USC's defensive line got a huge boost in the commitment of Beverly Hills defensive end Greg Townsend. While yes, Townsend is an end, and Moala is a tackle, this could move some of the current defensive linemen around to supplement the loss in the middle.

Do Not Sleep on Antwuan Woods

I've seen Woods play in person, and when I was on the field with him, his massive size and bulk really was apparent.

Woods also is very, very strong and has the power to anchor vs. any offensive lineman. Although USC employs a 4-3 alignment, USC will also be able to head up Woods on guards and let him two-gap inside at times.

USC a Darkhorse for Brennan Scarlett?

Although Cal and Notre Dame have both emerged as favorites for the injured yet talented defensive lineman, Scarlett is a quiet guy and tough to read.

Scarlett has played his recruiting a bit close to the vest and sometimes quiet guys pull surprises.

Could a surprise be Scarlett to USC?

Lamar Dawson Still Hasn't Made a Decision

USC is no stranger to pulling signing day shockers and luring top notch talent from anywhere in the country.

Uber-talented linebacker Lamar Dawson of Boyle County HS in Kentucky may fall in line as another national recruiting shocker for the Trojans.

Dawson is slated to visit Los Angeles January 14 and one of the top remaining players on Lane Kiffin's wish list.

Cyrus Kouandjio To Soften the Potential Moala Blow?

DeMatha (MD) big offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio will pay USC a visit this month, and his recruiting has been a bit of intrigue.

Many link Alabama to Kouandjio constantly, but he has stated he would not like to compete against his older brother, who is currently an offensive lineman on the Crimson Tide roster.

If Kouandjio is feeling his visit to USC and is convinced he can compete for time early for the Trojans versus not competing against his brother, he could be a very nice coup and much needed cavalry in the trenches for Trojans.

Colt Lyerla To Save the Day?

Lyerla is down to three schools: USC, Oregon and Cal.

He's an excellent athlete and has great size at 6'5", 225 pounds. He has been compared to being a high school version of Brian Urlacher with his size/speed/athletic ability trio.

Lyerla took a visit to USC in November and could end up at defensive end, tight end or outside linebacker in college.

That versatility has Lane Kiffin in hot pursuit of the Hillsboro (OR) star.

Marqise Lee To Boost the Backend?

Lee is a teammate of current Trojan commit and all-world receiver, George Farmer, as the two prep at Serra (CA).

Lee is a former basketball star who has seen his athleticism and quickness transfer over well from the hardwood to the gridiron.

He's been a quick study in honing coverage schemes, and his instincts have been remarkable for a player who has not been playing football for too long and at a position where instincts make or break you.

Getting Lee to USC would be an extremely big get for the Trojans, as with some college seasoning, he could develop into a special player and continue the great safety tradition for the Trojans.

Christian Heyward Becomes More Appealing

Point Loma (CA) defensive tackle Christian Heyward paid a visit to USC in December and is being pursued by one Ed Orgeron. Orgeron is a non-stop recruiter, and we are sure he is selling Heyward that USC is in a need of a defensive linemen.

Moala has stated he likes the atmosphere at USC and believes he could be well-coached if he were to end up at Heritage Hall.

With Moala likely headed to Cal, Heyward will becomes that much more attractive for Orgeron and USC.