TrojanWire - Rey Maualuga http://www.trojanwire.com/football/rey-maualuga/index.php USC Football As It Happens Copyright 2009 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:56:39 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.2 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Week 9 NFL Highlights

Here are some week 9 highlights of former Trojans now playing in the NFL. This week features
David Buehler, Dwayne Jarrett, Reggie Bush, Terrell Thomas, Steve Smith, Kevin Ellison, Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga (Cinco Ocho), Carson Palmer, Troy Polamalu and Brian Cushing.

Fight On!

(Video created by Eric Espinoza and the USC video operations department)

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/week-9-nfl-highlights.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/week-9-nfl-highlights.php Headlines Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:56:39 -0800 The new L.B.U.
Three Trojan linebackers will be playing big roles when the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans meet on Sunday, as Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing will be starting for their respective teams. Rivers and Cushing lead their teams in tackles so far this year.

Read all about this cool connection in this article from today's Houston Chronicle. Thanks to RipsIt reader Harlan Martens for passing it along. ]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/the-new-lbu.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/the-new-lbu.php Rey Maualuga Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:16:15 -0800 Blogger debate: USC-Ohio State AP Photo Quarterbacks Terrelle Pryor and Matt Barkley will be the focal point for Saturday's Ohio State-USC throwdown.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg and Ted Miller

All eyes will be on Columbus this weekend as No. 3 USC visits No. 8 Ohio State (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET). Before the two teams lock horns on the banks of the Olentangy River, we debated several key questions heading into the mega matchup.

Adam Rittenberg: Ted, I look at this USC defense and don't see a glaring weakness. Still, several mobile quarterbacks [Vince Young, Dennis Dixon] have hurt the Trojans in the past. How do you expect USC to defend Terrelle Pryor and does Pryor give the Buckeyes a fighting chance in this game?

Ted Miller: I think Pryor gives the Buckeyes a fighting chance because he can make something out of nothing when a play breaks down -- and the USC defense is good at breaking down plays. While USC fans would debate you on the health of their defense vs. Vince Young, the fact is the Trojans learned from that game that you need to account for an athletic quarterback -- you can't just run your base defense and expect gap control and rush lanes to take care of things. There surely will be some sort of spying, whether with one guy or a shift of guys. On the plus side for USC, this is a really fast defense. It's much faster at linebacker than last year. Malcolm Smith is fast -- his brother is an NFL receiver -- and Michael Morgan is a 4.4 guy. Toss in end Everson Griffen and you've got some guys who can really run on the perimeter of the front-seven. Moreover, middle linebacker Chris Galippo implied to me that this will be more disciplined defense. As extraordinary as Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews and Rey Maualuga were last year, they, at times, freelanced, looking for big plays. That means the Trojans won't be as likely abandon their assigned gaps or let contain break down.

As long as we're talking quarterbacks, what do you think about the poise issue for both guys? USC's Matt Barkley claims he doesn't get nervous. You buy that at the Horseshoe? And how will Pryor react on this big stage?

AR: The Shoe remains the toughest place to play in the Big Ten, getting the slightest of edges against Penn State's Beaver Stadium. Barkley's nerves will be put to the test. It will be extremely loud, especially at the start of the game, and the south end zone addition really makes the decibels rise. I'd imagine USC will go to its strength right away, pound away with those tremendous running backs and athletic offensive line and give Barkley some time to get settled. Everything I've heard about this kid -- from yourself and other observers -- is that he's the real deal. I saw true freshman quarterback Tate Forcier show no nerves last week for Michigan in the Big House, but then again, he was playing at home. Ohio State's defensive line is the strength of the team, and it has to rattle Barkley early for the Buckeyes to have a shot. As for Pryor, he has shown some toughness late in games, particularly against Wisconsin last year. He's certainly more comfortable as a passer, but he can't get away from what makes him special and needs to make plays with his feet. I still haven't seen a team contain Pryor on the move, but he needs the freedom from head coach Jim Tressel and the willingness from within to really cut loose against USC.

Ohio State's defensive line is the team's strongest unit. Same could be said for USC's offensive line. How do you see that matchup shaking out, and will Ohio State need to use speed (Thaddeus Gibson, Cameron Heyward) rather than power to beat the Trojans' front?

(Read full post)

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/blogger-debate-uscohio-state.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/blogger-debate-uscohio-state.php Rey Maualuga Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:20:33 -0800 Picking back up with the preseason
Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots
4:30 p.m.
Bengals: Quarterback Carson Palmer, defensive end Frostee Rucker, linebacker Keith Rivers, linebacker Rey Maualuga

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Indianapolis Colts
5 p.m. (Fox)
Eagles: Offensive lineman Winston Justice, defensive lineman Mike Patterson
Colts: Defensive lineman Fili Moala ]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/picking-back-up-with-the-preseason.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/picking-back-up-with-the-preseason.php Carson Palmer Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:55:00 -0800 Conquest Chronicles Links for 8/7 Some quick things to get your day started...I will have more later today.

USC Football

McKnight proves he's no ordinary Joe
A great article on Joe McKnight!

Taylor Mays: Far and Beyond The Top Player in College Football " Behind the Box Score
Nice article on Taylor Mays

'Always Compete' reveals Pete Carroll's prankster side - CFB News
Here is a nice early look at the upcoming book on Pete Carroll

Pete Carroll on the Radio in SD
I haven't had a chance to listen to this yet

ESPN’s Reilly on the Neuheisel, Carroll relationship - UCLA - OCRegister.com
Another brief take

USC Basketball

Doug Haller : A conversation with USC's Kevin O'Neill
Nice interview of KO

Pac-10

Pac-10 football: Separating reality from spin | College Sports Hotline
A very observant piece from John Wilner

Former Player News

Myers and Hartman Interview Rey Maualuga
I haven't listened to this either but will later today...let me your thoughts.

Justice Shines
Some Wiston Justice news

Getting to know . . . Fili Moala - The Indianapolis Star

Patrick Turner Shinin' in camp - Phin Phanatic

All Sanchez all the time

Mark Sanchez Q&A: 'It's been a blast so far' - Sporting News
Mark is going to win the starting job...just wait

Jets coach Rex Ryan signals Sanchez-Clemens decision will be quick
Rex Ryan would like to name his starting quarterback by the third preseason game.

Mark Sanchez impressive in Jets scrimmage - BostonHerald.com
Mark Sanchez was very pleased with his performance in the Jets’ intrasquad scrimmage Thursday night.



]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/conquest-chronicles-links-for-87.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/conquest-chronicles-links-for-87.php Taylor Mays Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:06:21 -0800 USC Linebackers Fitting Nicely in NFL Brian Cushing.jpg
Brian Cushing's New 'Do. Photo by Brett Coomer Chronicle

From Rookie hazings to hard-hitting, the members of the Trojan linebacker quartet are finding their place in the NFL.

StingRey: The Bengals are finding out rather quickly just how effective linebacker Rey Maualuga can be as a pass-rusher. I can tell you this, you’re not going to block him with a running back. Just ask Kenny Watson, who was thumped by Maualuga on a play when rushing the passer. Watson was left sprawled on the field like road kill. He had to shake out the cobwebs before being helped to his feet by teammates. - Springfield News-Sun

Clay Matthews is moving on up: "First-rounder Clay Matthews surpassed Jeremy Thompson as the Packers' starting right outside linebacker Monday. It took Matthews all of three practices to force the move. Coach Mike McCarthy is downplaying the change, but it's clear the job is now Matthews' to lose. Matthews is a more natural outside linebacker than Thompson, able play the run while also providing a pass rushing presence." - Rotoworld

Brian Cushing has new haircut: “I'm a lot cooler now at practice, so I'm happy about that,” Cushing said. “I had a pretty good feeling about what was going to go on. It was part of the rookie entertainment. I went up there and sang a song, and the second part of it was getting my hair cut...It's about two years right there, off in about 30 seconds. It's a lot quicker to cut than to grow.” -Chron.com

Kaluka Maiava has made Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini a fan – “He’s done a good job. He’s been working inside, both spots inside and some work on sub, which we haven’t gotten to at this point, but we will here shortly. He’s a guy that I thought was very smart when I interviewed him. I liked his style of play. I liked what he had done on special teams in college and I think that he’ll get a chance to contribute in a lot of different ways if he continues to progress.” -The Cleveland Leader

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/usc-linebackers-fitting-nicely-in-nfl.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/usc-linebackers-fitting-nicely-in-nfl.php Headlines Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:23:44 -0800 Rey Maualuga Signs Contract rey signs.jpg
(Photo by Icon Sports Media)

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed their second-round draft pick Rey Maualuga. ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that the deal is worth $4.66 million. $2.84 million of the deal is guaranteed.

Here is a quote from Rey’s Facebook page:

just signed my contract. its time to rumble in the jungle. here we come!! WHO DEY!!

Good Luck Rey!

Maualuga signs [Bengals.com]
Rey Maualuga agrees to terms [ProFootballTalk.com]

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/rey-maualuga-signs-contract.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/rey-maualuga-signs-contract.php Headlines Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:34:52 -0800 Pac-10 spring wrap-up: What we learned Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

We spent a lot of time talking about quarterbacks this spring in the Pac-10, most particularly USC's quarterback competition -- did ya hear, Aaron Corp's No. 1 but this freshman Matt Barkley looks like the bees' knees!

The other general theme isn't new: After reviewing the tea leaves on the table, does any team have the karmic -- and talent -- potential to unseat USC from the top of the Pac-10?

The answer? Maybe.

What we learned. Or developed a hunch about.

1. Oregon State's quarterback situation is ... interesting: You have two starting quarterbacks who are seniors. One is going to sit. No other way to describe it. Lyle Moevao threw for 2,500 yards and 19 touchdowns last year but he sat out spring practices with a shoulder injury, which is exactly what happened to Sean Canfield last year before he lost his starting job. By the way, Canfield went 3-0 -- two starts -- subbing for Moevao in 2008. Though he struggled in the spring game with three interceptions, Canfield played well enough throughout that he probably owns a slight lead heading into the offseason.

2. USC's defense may not be as good as 2008, but it's probably as good as anyone else: The 2008 USC defense had more future NFL players on it than any other unit in the nation. And the 2009 version might not be any different, though there's clearly youth and inexperience to fret about from the Trojans' perspective. Still, start with perhaps the best secondary in the nation, led by safeties Taylor Mays and Josh Pinkard. Then consider the breakout spring of end Everson Griffen, who could win the Pac-10 sack title if he remains focused. Further, word is the three new linebackers might not match the NFL-ready standard of Rey Maualuga, Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing, but Malcolm Smith, Chris Galippo and Michael Morgan are faster. Toss in some impressive youngsters up front, and it's hard to imagine this crew not ranking among the nation's top 10 in just about every category.

3. The conference of ... running backs: The Pac-10 might feature the best collection of running backs in the nation. Five 1,000-yard rushers are schedule to return, including California's Jahvid Best, the conference's top Heisman Trophy candidate, and Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers, who won the conference's Offensive Player of the Year award as a true freshman. Toss in Oregon's LeGarrette Blount, a potential first-day NFL draft pick in 2010, and Stanford's Toby Gerhart and Arizona's Nic Grigsby, not to mention the six-deep stable of runners at USC, and the battle for first-team Pac-10 might be more arduous than All-American.

4. But can anyone block? Three teams that ran the ball well last year -- Arizona, Oregon and Oregon State -- lost three starting offensive linemen, including early-round NFL draft picks. Four others -- Arizona State, UCLA, Washington and Washington State -- were just lousy up front last fall. Even Stanford and California, which should be fairly stout, lost their best blockers from 2008. The conference's only sure thing up front is USC, which welcomes back its entire starting five, including All-American center Kristopher O'Dowd. Moreover, the teams that entered spring with questions on the line didn't get many answers three weeks later. O-line play might be the most critical issue facing the conference in 2009, even more so than at quarterback.

5. Sarkisian and Kelly bring new energy: Steve Sarkisian and Chip Kelly inherited completely different situations, but both made a mark by upping the intensity of practices. Sarkisian, of course, took over a lifeless program that Tyrone Willingham ran into the ground (uncharitable, but inarguable). He opened up practices and practically begged boosters and old Huskies greats to come visit. He also increased the tempo and energy level of practices -- heck, everything around the team -- which might do more than anything to get the Huskies a handful of wins next fall. Meanwhile, Kelly took over for one of the best coaches in the nation, Mike Bellotti, and brought a little East Coast volume to Ducks practices. He's not completely renovating the Ducks, who finished in the nation's top 10 last year, but he's going to add his own coat of paint -- which at Oregon, as you known, probably will be a fairly loud shade.

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/pac10-spring-wrapup-what-we-learned.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/pac10-spring-wrapup-what-we-learned.php Taylor Mays Fri, 08 May 2009 09:04:16 -0800 USC spring wrap-up Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

USC Trojans
2008 overall record: 12-1

2008 conference record: 8-1

Returning starters

Offense 9, defense 3, kicker/punter 0

Top returners

WR Damian Williams, C Kristofer O'Dowd, OT Charles Brown, OG Jeff Byers, TB Stafon Johnson, TB Joe McKnight, FS Taylor Mays, CB Josh Pinkard, DE Everson Griffen.

Key losses

QB Mark Sanchez, LB Rey Maualuga, LB Brian Cushing, DE Clay Matthews, DT Fili Moala, SS Kevin Ellison.

2008 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Stafon Johnson* (705)
Passing: Mark Sanchez (3,207)
Receiving: Damian Williams (869)
Tackles: Rey Maualuga (79)
Sacks: Kyle Moore (5)
Interceptions: Cary Harris, Drew McAllister*, Kevin Thomas* (3)

2009 Schedule
Sep. 5 San Jose State
Sep. 12 at Ohio State
Sep. 19 at Washington
Sep. 26 Washington State
Oct. 3 at California
Oct. 17 at Notre Dame
Oct. 24 Oregon State
Oct. 31 at Oregon
Nov. 7 at Arizona State
Nov. 14 Stanford
Nov. 28 UCLA
Dec. 5 Arizona

Spring answers

1. Reload at LB: Sure, the Trojans lost three first-day NFL draft picks at linebacker, but it's hard to find anyone around the program worried about the position. With Chris Galippo in the middle, and Michael Morgan and Malcolm Smith flanking him, this unit will be faster than last year. That said, incoming freshmen Frankie Telford and Jarvis Jones may be able to work their way into the rotation.

2. Griffen steps up: Defensive end Everson Griffen has always been a spectacular talent, but his focus and work ethic haven't been consistent. Until this spring, at least, when Griffen joined Smith as the defense's standout player. He leads a young defensive line that flashed brilliance at times this spring.

3. If the QBs come through ...: With nine starters back and depth at every position, the Trojans' offense doesn't appear to have any weaknesses. Of course, the guy who's going to distribute the ball -- either Aaron Corp or Matt Barkley -- will be making his second career start at Ohio State, which gets a qualified, "Yikes!"

Fall questions

1. Is Barkley really in this? While coach Pete Carroll has long shown no fear starting -- or least playing -- true freshmen, he has yet to do that at quarterback, where a pattern of sitting for three years and learning the system has been established. Corp emerged from spring the clear leader at the position, but Barkley flashed passing talent that's hard to ignore. Can Barkley really beat out Corp, and if he doesn't will he be the backup and burn his redshirt in 2009?

2. How will the tailback rotation go? With Curtis McNeal and Marc Tyler making statements this spring -- particularly McNeal -- it appears that the Trojans are again a six-headed monster at tailback. There's just one ball, but there's Stafon Johnson, Joe McKnight, Allen Bradford and C.J. Gable, with Gable presently the favorite to get his carries cut due to fumbling issues. Or will McKnight's inability to stay healthy -- at least during practices -- suddenly be recognized as a problem?

3. Who's the kicker? Joe Houston seemed to emerge with a small lead over Jordan Congdon at kicker, but touted JC transfer Jacob Harfman arrives in the fall, and Harfman could end up kicking and punting.

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/usc-spring-wrapup.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/usc-spring-wrapup.php Kevin Ellison Fri, 08 May 2009 09:03:59 -0800 Morning take: Maualuga at OLB? Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday in the AFC North:

Morning take: His natural position is middle linebacker. But he's not taking Dhani Jones, Cincinnati's leading tackler and leader, off the field next season. Maualuga needs to learn the outside linebacker position if he wants to play right away.

Morning take: This is an odd question. Has Baltimore ever had a great starting quarterback? (Joe Flacco needs to prove it beyond one year.)

Morning take: Playing time was very important for Foote. He will get plenty of it in Detroit.

Morning take: Following the draft and free agency, the Browns are now stock-piled with receivers. Behind starter Braylon Edwards, who will step up and be the No. 2 threat?

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/morning-take-maualuga-at-olb.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/morning-take-maualuga-at-olb.php Rey Maualuga Wed, 06 May 2009 09:44:29 -0800 Three USC linebackers could make history
USC linebacker Rey Maualuga is a hitter not a hittee, so it's somewhat appropriate that the weight of this reality has not fully struck him:



]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/ -three-usc-linebackers-could-make-history.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/ -three-usc-linebackers-could-make-history.php Rey Maualuga Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:02:41 -0800 Band of Brothers LBs.jpg

The latest Sports Illustrated featuring Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga and Clay Matthews.

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/band-of-brothers.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/band-of-brothers.php Headlines Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:08:42 -0800 Risky Pick? Pro Football Weekly lists linebacker Rey Maualuga as one of the first round's five riskiest picks.

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/risky-pick.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/risky-pick.php Rey Maualuga Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:58:56 -0800 LBs Impress at Pro Day LB-pro-day.jpg
(Po-He Tseng/USCRipsIt)

After yesterday’s Pro Day at USC, Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga and Clay Matthews increased their chances of all being drafted in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft. All three ran well and looked very athletic in individual drills.

40 times:

Clay Matthews: 4.58
Brian Cushing: 4.67 and 4.73
Rey Maualuga: 4.69
Kaluka Maiava: 4.66 and 4.68

After the jump, more pictures from Po-He Tseng of USCRipsIt.

]]> http://www.trojanwire.com/football/lbs-impress-at-pro-day.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/lbs-impress-at-pro-day.php Headlines Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:35:49 -0800 McShay: Sanchez, Maualuga impressive at pro day QB Mark Sanchez and ILB Rey Maualuga were the featured attractions at USC's pro day workouts and neither one disappointed scouts. http://www.trojanwire.com/football/mcshay-sanchez-maualuga-impressive-at-pro-day.php http://www.trojanwire.com/football/mcshay-sanchez-maualuga-impressive-at-pro-day.php Rey Maualuga Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:24:45 -0800