TrojanWire - Kaluka Maiava http://www.trojanwire.com/football/kaluka-maiava/index.php USC Football As It Happens Copyright 2008 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:30:53 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.2 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss CFN's Unit Rankings College Football News ranks the different units from around the country. USC makes a splash on defense but not surprisingly they struggle to get a lot of recognition on offense. I am not going to comment on this too much as this is pretty accurate from an SC standpoint. This is more for just general knowledge.

 

2008 CFN Unit Rankings

Defenses

1. USC
When linebackers Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing decided to forego the NFL Draft for one more year, it ensured that the Trojans would have one of the nastiest back sevens in the country.  Not only are the two seniors All-America-caliber, but the secondary is sensational. Safeties Kevin Ellison and Taylor Mays are among six players with starting experience.  Even without current pros Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson, the defensive line will be just fine. On the outside, speedy Everson Griffen is good enough to make folks forget about Jackson. On the inside, senior Fili Moala is about to shed his anonymity while making a strong push for All-American honors and a spot in the first round of next year’s NFL Draft.    

Offenses

10. USC
 Mark or Mitch? The battle between Mark Sanchez and Mitch Mustain to replace John David Booty at quarterback isn’t exactly over. Sanchez got the nod in April, but he got hurt and is questionable for the start of the season. Mustain has done nothing but impress the staff since transferring from Arkansas. Whoever gets the ball will have gobs of speed and explosiveness surrounding him. After getting a taste of action as a freshman, RB Joe McKnight is on the tarmac and preparing for national lift-off. The receivers are a year older, with the size, athleticism, and addition of former Hog Damian Williams to dominate opposing secondaries. The line loses four starters, putting the onus on sophomores Kristofer O’Dowd, Butch Lewis, and Zack Heberer to perform like vets.         

Defensive Backs

2. USC
 SC has had the Pac-10’s best pass defense two years running. There’s more than enough returning talent and former prep All-Americans to run that streak to three, although a few more interceptions would be nice. In Kevin Ellison and Taylor Mays, USC is home to a couple of hard-hitting enforcers with All-America potential. If Josh Pinkard is even close to where he was a couple of years ago, no program in the country will be able to match them at the position. Sure to get picked on early, Shareece Wright needs to give opposing quarterbacks a reason to not look to his side.

Defensive Lines

3. USC
 Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson were two of the first 28 picks in April’s draft, yet the Trojans are going to be more than fine up front. Fili Moala and Everson Griffen are the new headliners of a front wall that’ll rely on a deeper group of players this fall. The Trojans are so quick and strong up front, opposing backs are rarely able to get to the second level. Of course, not that things get any easier there. Moala is going to make himself plenty of money this fall, and Griffen and Kyle Moore are big enough on the outside to be valuable assets in run support.

Linebackers

1. USC
 Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing are a pair of NFL-ready linebackers still hanging around the Pac 10. Their presence will help ease the transition of Luthur Brown or Kaluka Maiava into the lineup, while giving the program a couple of intimidating defensive players who opposing coaches will have to account for every Saturday. Led by Maualuga and Cushing, this group has a nose for the football and a gift for fighting through blockers to get to the ball carrier. With the front seven that USC will be rolling out this year, the only tackles the safeties and corners make will be on completed passes.

Running Backs

6. USC
 Even after Emmanuel Moody transferred to Florida, there isn’t a school in the nation that features four backs as talented as the ones in this backfield. The Trojans are basically injury-proof, meaning even if one or two players went on the shelf, the running game would survive. As is the case with many USC positions, Pete Carroll will be forced to do a juggling act to be sure that all of his gifted runners are well fed throughout the season.  It’s going to be a challenge.  While Joe McKnight is the star-in-waiting, Stafon Johnson might actually finish the year with the most carries.

 

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/cfns-unit-rankings.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/cfns-unit-rankings.php Taylor Mays Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:30:53 -0800 Kaluka Maiava ready to take his turn for USC
USC linebacker Kaluka Maiava filled the back-up role, never complaining that he should be playing ahead of the starter.

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/ -kaluka-maiava-ready-to-take-his-turn-for-usc.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/ -kaluka-maiava-ready-to-take-his-turn-for-usc.php Kaluka Maiava Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:30:46 -0800 Maiava waited for chance to impact <!-- end image-->Like most of the people on the Trojan football roster, Kaluka Maiava became accustomed to success. He came to the mainland after a highly decorated prep career, Hawaii's top prep player came to USC with big plans. He wanted to be the man. Unfortunately for Maiava, one was already there. Go inside for the stor ]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/maiava-waited-for-chance-to-impact.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/maiava-waited-for-chance-to-impact.php Kaluka Maiava Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:27:43 -0800 Molding A Spot for Clay Shortly after Clay Matthews redshirt season in 2004, he watched as USC coaches signed one of the greatest linebacker classes in team history, as Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing, Luthur Brown and Kaluka Maiava all committed to the Trojans. Four years later, Matthews watched as USC coaches spent spring practice finding ways to get him on the field, despite the fact that all four of those linebackers remain on the roster.

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/molding-a-spot-for-clay.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/molding-a-spot-for-clay.php Kaluka Maiava Mon, 05 May 2008 10:27:12 -0800 Practice Insider: Linebacker Battles <!-- end image-->One of the more interesting position battles this spring will be between the young linebackers. Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga and Kaluka Maiava are almost guaranteed to be starters, but there will be plenty of reps for the less seasoned guys. Inside: Hear from Luthur Brown and Jordan Campbell plus tons of practice note ]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/practice-insider-linebacker-battles.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/practice-insider-linebacker-battles.php Kaluka Maiava Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:25:51 -0800 USC linebacker Maiava out of spring practice Scott Wolf, Los Angeles Daily News

USC starting linebacker Kaluka Maiava will miss spring practice next month because he will undergo wrist surgery. Maiava injured his wrist in November and then broke his thumb in the Rose Bowl, when he made a key play forcing a fumble in the third quarter that ended an Illinois scoring threat… continue

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/usc-linebacker-maiava-out-of-spring-practice.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/usc-linebacker-maiava-out-of-spring-practice.php Kaluka Maiava Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:19:14 -0800 Maiava proves to be a worthy replacement
Making his first career start, junior Kaluka Maiava had a team-high 10 tackles in USC's 44-24 win over No. ]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/maiava-proves-to-be-a-worthy-replacement.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/maiava-proves-to-be-a-worthy-replacement.php Kaluka Maiava Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:34:28 -0800 Trojans, Sun Devils are thankful for spotlight Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times

USC’s defense, ranked first in the Pacific 10 Conference and third nationally, will try to stop Arizona State with two starters relegated to backup roles because of injuries. Junior Kaluka Maiava will start in place of Keith Rivers at weak-side linebacker and freshman Everson Griffen will start in place of Kyle Moore at defensive end, Coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday… continue

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/trojans-sun-devils-are-thankful-for-spotlight.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/trojans-sun-devils-are-thankful-for-spotlight.php Kaluka Maiava Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:01:13 -0800 Baker To Start, Rivers Not USC will start All-America offensive tackle Sam Baker, after two weeks out with a strained hamstring, against Arizona State Thanksgiving.

But linebacker Keith Rivers, also a senior All-American, will not start. Junior Kaluka Maiava will step in at weakside linebacker with Rivers backing him up.

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/baker-to-start-rivers-not.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/baker-to-start-rivers-not.php Kaluka Maiava Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:56:13 -0800 Insider: Maiava set for first (OK, second) start <!-- end image-->Kaluka Maiava has started before -- sort of. Thursday, however, should be his first time remaining in the game after the first snap. The two-time special teams player of the year will deal with several new challenges. Also inside: Updates on Keith River, Sam Baker and Kyle Moore. Plus, Will Collins takes matters into his own hand ]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/insider-maiava-set-for-first-ok-second-start.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/insider-maiava-set-for-first-ok-second-start.php Kaluka Maiava Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:54:11 -0800 Maiava, Griffen Start Kaluka Maiava starts at linebacker for the ailing Keith Rivers, who is officially available. Sam Baker starts at tackle and will be backed up by Butch Lewis. Everson Griffen starts at defensive end for Kyle Moore, who will play but is still bothered by a bruised nerve in his arm.

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/maiava-griffen-start.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/maiava-griffen-start.php Kaluka Maiava Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:53:08 -0800 Another Cast Linebacker Kaluka Maiava is wearing a hard cast on his arm after suffering a possible broken wrist against Oregon. Maiava said X-rays were inconclusive and he will undergo another set next week.
But he will play against Oregon State with the cast.

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/another-cast.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/another-cast.php Kaluka Maiava Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:53:06 -0800 USC's Cushing Out for Three Weeks Filed under: , ,

When USC linebacker Brian Cushing suffered an ankle sprain in the Trojans' season opener against Idaho, the junior was hopeful that he would make it back on the field within two weeks at Nebraska. He noted that there's a difference between simply walking and coming out and playing on the field, but managed to get a few plays in Lincoln.

The 2007 Rose Bowl Defensive MVP re-injured his ankle against Washington State, putting him back on the bench for most of last week's game. Now, Cushing seems to believe that his injury is worse than expected, and there are fears he may have cracked a bone in his ankle, leading one local paper to report that he could be out up to three weeks--returning only for USC's October 20th match-up in South Bend.

In Cushing's absence, Senior Linebacker Keith Rivers has been moved to the Strong Side position and backup Kaluka Maiava has been elevated to the first team.

 

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]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/uscs-cushing-out-for-three-weeks.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/uscs-cushing-out-for-three-weeks.php Kaluka Maiava Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:56:00 -0800 Special Teams' Turn With the defense trying to get its game going, the special teams stepped up for a score to start the second as Thomas Williams blocked Billy O'Malley's punt for the first team and Kaluka Maiava scopped the ball up on the nine and took it in for a touchdown.

First team 21, Second team 3.

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/special-teams-turn.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/special-teams-turn.php Kaluka Maiava Thu, 23 Aug 2007 07:58:01 -0800 Live Scrimmage No. 3 Welcome to the final scrimmage, where even Mitch Mustain is a team captain. And fans are restricted to one side of the stadium. Once again, we are brought to you by Roman Meal, the official bread of Peter Caesar Carroll.
And after an offsides penalty, Chauncey Washington goes 63 yards on the first play before being pushed out by Marshall Jones at the 1 (Not the first-team defense). Washington scores on the next play.
The white team, with Mike McDonald at quarterback, comes out and completes a 14-yard pass to Brandon Carswell. Allen Bradford then shows the No. 1 defense has some weak moments by gaining 30 yards down to the 31. After an incompletion, McDonald throws a 10-yard pass to Carswell. After Carswell false starts, Bradford gains 2.
The defense is woefully offsides on an anticipated blitz on the next play and Bradford gains 1 for 3rd and 8 at the 18. Bradford drops a pass but walk-on Joe Houston kicks a 35-yard field goal to make it 7-3.
Ronald Johnson takes the kickoff 43 yards (against scout team) before Houston tackles him, providing the odd sight of a guy in a cardinal jersey tackling a guy in the identical color kit.
John David Booty comes out with a 19-yard pass to Stanley Havili before Jones nearly intercepts his next pass. Booty then throws a 9-yard pass to Vidal Hazelton. Booty then throws to David Ausberry who plunges in for a 16-yard TD. It's 14-3 before about 12,000. That means it will be announced as 20,000.
It's the end of the first quarter already. Garrett Green drops a pass on the first play of the second quarter then Alfred Rowe is underthrown deep. He's a fullback for those of you who are not Internet geeks. Bradford gains 6 on third-and-10. Who's calling the plays? Lane Kiffin.
The walk-on punt team gets demolished as Billy O'Malley's punt is blocked by Thomas Williams and Kaluka Maiava picks it up and runs 9 yards for a TD. It's now 21-3.
McDonald throws two incomplete passes to Sean Calcagnie and a third INC to Carswell. Time to punt.
Another big play. Stafon Johnson goes 67 yards before he too gets tackled at the 1. Johnson then scores. So long doghouse. It's now 28-3 with 7:50 left in the first half.
McDonald, who is 3 for 10, finds Garrett Green for 11, then dumps off to Bradford for 7 yards. Bradford gains a yard and Carswell makes a nice grab on Terrell Thomas for a first down. Bradford again on a 1-yard pass and then an incomplete pass before McDonald throws another pass away under pressure.
Red team back. Desmond Reed gains a yard and Fred Davis drops Booty's pass. Booty then throws into the back of tight end Anthony McCoy and the first team gets to finally punt.
So far, we nominate Brandon Carswell for unsung hero doing noble work on the second (or third) team. Honorable mention to Allen Bradford, who is getting every carry and just about every pass play right now.
The next series is not worth describing, other than a sack that causes McDonald to lose 9. But wait, Stafon Johnson fumbles the punt return and Rhett Ellison recovers and returns to the 22. Hope for the white team!
McDonald completes an 8-yard pass to Scott Stephens and Bradford goes 8 on a draw play down to the 5. There are only 9 seconds left.
McDonald throws a 6-yard TD pass to Garrett Green with 3 seconds left. Cary Harris defending so it's Notre Dame High teammates against each other. Halftime score: Cardinal 28, White 10.
Stat time: Mike McDonalld 8-19, 68 yards, 1 TD, 3 drops.
John David Booty 3-6, 44 yards, 1 TD, 1 drop.
Mitch Mustain finally arrives and throws a 12-yard pass to Garrett Green on his first attempt. Under pressure, he is nearly intercepted by Kevin Ellison on his second pass. Time to punt.
Washington appears to hurt his shoulder on a run as he comes off the field favoring his right shoulder. Thomas Williams injured his left ankle.
The first team now has Stafon Johnson playing tailback. We're distracted by Washington's injury but Booty threw an 11-yarder to Fred Davis, 16 yards to Ausberry, two passes to Adam Goodman and Stafon Johnson ran 14 yards for a TD. It's 35-10. End of third quarter.
USC is running out of backs and Rowe gains two for the reserves. No Aaron Corp yet. Mustain goes deep but it's underthrown for Carswell. Punt time. Washington, Joe McKnight, C.J. Gable and Hershel Dennis are all standing on the sidelines injured. Plus Marc Tyler.
Corp in and his first pass is deflected. Desmond Reed playing extensively and Corp completes passes to Ronald Johnson and David Ausberry to reach the 7-yard line. Hazelton then makes a pretty catch of an underthrown pass for a touchdown. It's 42-10, as Corp played for the Cardinal team. Scrimmage over. Too many injuries.

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/live-scrimmage-no-3.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/live-scrimmage-no-3.php Rhett Ellison Thu, 23 Aug 2007 07:57:07 -0800