Fangupo Talks Family Tragedy and Commitment

Brian Matthews WeAreSC.com

The USC Trojans have had their fair share of commitments wavering over the past couple of weeks, including the loss of one commitment to cross-town rival UCLA.

One commitment who had some serious doubt cast in his mind about his future at USC is the nation’s top rated junior college defensive tackle out of Mt. SAC (CA.), Hebron Fangupo.

Fangupo, who committed to USC on May 28th of this year, served a Mormon mission in the Philippines before returning the states to play football.

His religion, however, was what nearly witnessed the mammoth defensive tackle switch his commitment to BYU.

“My mom is real serious about my spiritual side,” explained Fangupo. “She wants me to stay strong in the church, and BYU came in and offered a good environment for me and my religion.”

The 6’2. 320 lbs. defensive tackle joked when saying his mom basically committed to BYU on his behalf, stating her concerns for her sons future in Los Angeles.

“My mom liked the fact that BYU was in a good area,” he said of the reasons for his interest in the Cougars. “No matter how good you are, you can make it to the league at any school if you’re good enough.

“We talked about it and prayed as a family.”

The deciding factors in Fangupo’s reaffirmation of his commitment to USC came from trust and tragedy within the family.

Five of Fangupo’s cousins died recently, a tragedy that in a certain way shaped his future at the collegiate level.

“Five of my cousins just died,” said Fangupo of the his family. “They were always wearing USC shirts and wristbands and were walking around the islands telling everyone how they’re big cousin had made it.

“I want to make my cousins proud and honor them.”

On the other hand, Fangupo had to deal with his mother, who in the end, had a heart-to-heart with the Mt. SAC standout about attending school at USC.

“I could tell that my mom wasn’t sure about USC,” explained Fangupo on his decision. “There is temptation wherever you go, and I don’t get into those kinds of things.

“The drinking and things like that, I don’t mess around with at all.”

He still had to convince his mother that USC was the right place for him, and eventually was able to change her mind on the school.

“I asked my mom if she trusted me,” said Fangupo of the conversation. “I told her that I went on my mission to the Philippines and came back more mature then a lot of people my age. I came back a changed man.

“She looked me in the eyes and asked me where I wanted to go. I told her I’ve always wanted to play at USC.”

At that point, Fangupo was once again 100% committed to the Trojans, although more family doubt was made known by those close to him.

Rated as one of the nation’s top junior college prospects, Fangupo heard it from all angles.

“A lot of my family members think that I should have gone to a smaller school and get more playing time,” he said. “Of course USC has so many athletes, and they thought because I’ve only played football for three years I wouldn’t be ready for that level.”

Never one to doubt his own ability, Fangupo is ready to take the challenge head on and prove all of his doubters wrong.

“I’ve made it this far,” he said Friday evening following a trip to USC. “They can’t tell me what I can and can’t do.

“It’s hard work, I know that.”

Honored with the distinction as one of the nations top players on the junior college level is no small feat, and the Tonga native understands that and is taking nothing for granted.

“It felt great,” said Fangupo of his accolades. “I was honored, and it just shows that all of the pain, the hard work, the sacrifice and the weightlifting paid off.

“That is something I’m really proud of, not just anybody is considered a top player. That also influenced my work ethic.”

Although he could just rest on his laurels, Fangupo is not content until he is making an impact for the Trojans on Saturday.

“Being at the top here (junior college) is not enough,” he explained. “I want to be number one at USC. I am going to go there ready, I can tell you that.”

Expected to graduate in December, mix-ups in his course work will delay his arrival at USC until next summer.

The delay is another setback for the defensive tackle, something he was pleased with.

“My counselor kind of screwed me over,” said Fangupo of his the course mix-up. “I was seeing one counselor who told me everything was fine, and then I took it to the main counselor to check on it and make sure I was on track.

“That counselor told me I was taking unnecessary courses and that I pretty much wasted a semester.”

The delay in his graduation will be of no concern to the coaching staff, who will honor his scholarship regardless of his graduation date.

The problem comes in Fangupo’s main goal for enrolling early.

“My main goal was to develop a chemistry with the players,” explained Fangupo, obviously upset about the events that transpired. “Once I sign, I’m going to get the playbook though and know it by the time I get there.”

Friday evening also developed the commitment of Fangupo’s Mt. SAC teammates in kicker/punter Jake Harfman.

Fangupo, who heard of the commitment from WeAreSC, was excited for Harfman, even offering his own take on the special teams expert.

“It feels good for two people to make it to USC out of one school,” he said of Harfman’s commitment. “That guy can kick, he really has a leg.

“He was kicking 67 yard field goals three in a row during warm ups, and I’m sitting there thinking what the…”

Harfman’s biggest accomplishment of the season came with seconds winding down on the clock to send the game into overtime.

The field goal, though, would set the school record as he attempted a 56 yard field goal.

“That was huge,” explained Fangupo of the clutch kick that helped them remain undefeated at the time. “It was down to the line and we really needed it, and he came through.”

As for what the Trojans have planned for Fangupo:

“They are going to work me into what spot they see best,” he said. “They expect me to come in and deliver and see the field early. I’m going to deliver, I have to.”

Fangupo’s story is one of great perseverance and triumph, and WeAreSC will continue to keep up on Fangupo as he approaches his entrance date.

Byers granted sixth year by NCAA

ESPN

LOS ANGELES -- Southern California guard Jeff Byers had his request for a sixth year of eligibility approved Friday by the NCAA, allowing him to return to the Trojans next season.

Because he missed two seasons with injuries, Byers petitioned the NCAA for a "clock extension waiver," and his request was granted.

After appearing in all 13 USC games as a true freshman in 2004, Byers was sidelined with injuries the next two years. He had arthroscopic surgery to remove torn cartilage in his right hip in 2005, forcing him to miss that season. Then, in 2006, after seeing action in the opener, he suffered a back sprain and was out the rest of that season.

Byers has been USC's starting left guard the past two seasons. He was a second-team All Pac-10 performer this year.

USC's Mays may be in NFL sooner rather than later

Scott Wolf LA Daily News

USC safety Taylor Mays was named to the Walter Camp All-American team last week, which is good news for Mays but not necessarily great for the Trojans.

As Mays concludes his junior year, there is less for him to accomplish, and he appears headed toward an early entry in the NFL draft.

"If I'm up there (in the top 15), I think even (Trojans coach Pete Carroll) will tell me to leave," Mays said.

Unlike most underclassmen who pretend to focus only on college, Mays admitted he frequently imagines playing in the NFL next season.

"Yeah, I think about that," Mays said. "It might get to me, but I need to stay focused. If I let it get to my head, it could mess me up and be a negative. But I'm a positive person."

He even talks about the possibility that he played his last game at Coliseum two weeks ago against Notre Dame.

"If that ended being up my last game, it was special," he said.

But maybe Mays is only guilty of being a realist. He is 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, and for the past two years ran the fastest time at USC in the 40-yard dash. He is expected to blow NFL teams away with his physical skills when he chooses to perform tests for them.

About the only negative is that he might scare teams because of his freakish combination of size and athleticism.

"Guys will be concerned about his size and if he can make plays at that size," Carroll said. "I think the average safety is 210 pounds. Will he be able to tackle a fast, nifty receiver or running back?

The less-discussed knock on Mays is that he did not make a lot of plays at USC, but that was often attributed to his role in Carroll's defense, which required him to play more like a center fielder and prevent deep passes.

"How many times have teams gone deep on us?" Carroll said. "He's done exactly what we wanted. There's a lot that goes on in his position that you don't see that he deserves credit for.

"If you think about the last two seasons or the last three seasons, how many times somebody's taken the ball, thrown it over our heads down the middle of the field, you can't remember because it hasn't happened."

Mays said he doesn't care if fans fail to realize his responsibility in the Trojans' defense sometimes decreases the opportunity for highlight plays.

"I would be worried about criticism of the coaches," he said. "I'm not worried about other people. They don't know what they are talking about."

That doesn't mean he always feels satisfied after a game. When the Trojans routed the Irish, Mays was upset because he anticipated some deep passes only to have Irish quarterback Jimmy Clausen throw short.

"There's still plays that I want back this season," he said. "Against Notre Dame, there were some fade routes where I thought I could intercept the ball and then they didn't (throw deep). That takes my role out of the game."

Even with gun-shy offenses, Mays is one of the Trojans' top playmakers. He made 49 tackles and broke up eight passes during the regular season.

One of the best games of his career came against California, when he broke up four passes.

"The last three or four games have been among his best," Carroll said. "He's the biggest, strongest, fastest guy that you're going to find. His numbers are enormous. That's nice to have that. But what makes him who he is, he's really a diligent competitor, man. He works so hard at doing things right. It's so important for him to be the best he can possibly be."

What makes Mays unique is that for a three-time All-American, he keeps a relatively low profile. He loves to make jokes and laugh but he is not enamored with Hollywood like former Trojans Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush.

"He's not quiet but he's not crazy," USC wide receiver Jordan Cameron said. "Taylor's humble for all the hype he gets. He doesn't boast or anything. If we go out, we might go to the Cheesecake Factory. We don't party."

Cameron said Mays is a reliable friend to him and his sister, USC basketball player Brynn Cameron, and even helped assist with her son Cole.

"He's always been there for us," Jordan Cameron said. "He comes to the apartment and picks me up if I need a ride. He's helped watch Cole."

Mays, whose father is former NFL player Stafford Mays, said his quiet social life is a reflection of his desire to make it in the NFL.

"I don't want to mess up that chance to make it and be the best I can be," he said. "I don't want to do anything to disrupt any progress."

About his only regret is not playing in a BCS championship game.

"The last two years if we lost one game we go to the national championship game," Mays said. "This year, we have one loss and don't go."

Rocky Seto will stay at USC

Gary Klein Los Angeles Times

USC secondary coach Rocky Seto said today he had turned down an offer to become defensive coordinator at Washington and would remain with the Trojans.

Seto, 32, had been mulling the offer from new Huskies Coach Steve Sarkisian since late last week. He said he recognized the opportunity for professional advancement if he went to Washington, but after praying about it and talking with his wife, he decided to stay.

"I just realized how happy as a family we are here," said Seto, the father of two daughters.

Seto called Sarkisian on Tuesday morning and then called USC Coach Pete Carroll.

"I'm thankful that Steve offered me the opportunity and I know he's going to do great there," Seto said. "But you have to be grateful for what we have and I'm ridiculously happy here.

"Coach Carroll really made me feel valued."

Seto will continue to coach the secondary and is expected to receive a pay raise.

Carroll said Seto also would take on the title of assistant head coach for defense.

"I'm thrilled Rocky has decided to stay because I rely on him tremendously in multiple ways," Carroll said. "He's grown into a very valuable part of our program."

Seto was a reserve linebacker for the Trojans in 1997 and 1998 and then joined the staff as a volunteer assistant under former Coach Paul Hackett.

He was a graduate assistant for Carroll in 2001, coached safeties in 2003, linebackers in 2004 and 2005 and has handled the secondary the last three seasons.

A few years ago, Seto turned down an offer to join the Buffalo Bills staff as a secondary coach.

"I can't believe I'm still here -- it's crazy," Seto said. "But I'm so happy and my family is happy. That's the most important thing."

Carroll said he expected to meet with Carl Smith in the next few days about becoming USC's quarterbacks coach. Smith was a member of the 2004 staff and then spent two seasons as the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator.

Carroll promoted receivers coach John Morton to offensive coordinator to replace Sarkisian, but has not determined who will call plays next season.

USC quarterbacks aim at possible job opening

Gary Klein Los Angeles Times

Aaron Corp thinks about it.

So does Mitch Mustain.

And recruit Matt Barkley, who observed USC's first two Rose Bowl practices, has no doubt sensed the possibility or heard someone mention it.

With junior quarterback Mark Sanchez seeking an evaluation of his NFL draft status, the competition to possibly replace him as the starter next season might have already begun.

"A lot of people would like to avoid that, but it's real," Mustain said of Sanchez's possible departure.

Corp, a redshirt freshman, and Mustain, a third-year sophomore, split first-team snaps again Saturday as Sanchez was held out because of general soreness.

Both had their moments, but Corp shined for the second consecutive day, Coach Pete Carroll said.

Corp, who was listed at 185 pounds when he arrived from Orange Lutheran High in 2007, appears to be reaping the benefits of USC's strength and conditioning program.

His upper body is more developed and he said he now weighs 201 pounds.

"I feel better, more comfortable, instead of just being so frail," Corp said.

Mustain also has looked sharp at times.

The Arkansas transfer was the No. 2 quarterback for most of the season and is looking forward to more opportunities with the first unit during the bowl run-up.

If Sanchez declares for the draft in mid-January, the competition to replace him will heat up in spring practice.

Seeking an opinion

Junior running back Stafon Johnson said he submitted paperwork Friday for an evaluation of his possible NFL draft position.

"I just want to know where I'm at, what I need to work on," said Johnson, who has 642 yards and nine touchdowns in a team-high 123 carries. "For the most part, I'm here to stay and that's my mind-set right now. After the Rose Bowl, we'll see what happens."

Seto still deciding

Secondary coach Rocky Seto said he was still deciding whether to accept an offer from Steve Sarkisian to become Washington's defensive coordinator.

Seto, a former Trojans linebacker, has been a member of USC's coaching staff since 1999, when he served as a volunteer assistant.

Carroll is competing to keep Seto on his staff -- "The battle is on," he said -- but acknowledged that the opportunity in Seattle might be too good for Seto to pass up.

Quick kicks

Linebacker Rey Maualuga and safety Taylor Mays were selected to the Football Writers Assn. of America and the cbssports.com All-American teams. . . . The Trojans will not practice again until Thursday.

USC running back Johnson considers NFL

Scott Wolf LA Daily News

USC junior tailback Stafon Johnson said Saturday he might turn pro but will wait until next month before he makes a final decision.

"I'm not sure. I haven't thought about it. But if everything sounds convincing, maybe," Johnson said. "If I would come out this year, I'd be confident enough."

Johnson did not start a game this season, but leads the Trojans with 123 carries and has the second-most yards (642). He applied for an early evaluation with the NFL to judge his draft status.

Johnson said the fact he split time with tailbacks Joe McKnight and C.J. Gable did not mean he needed more experience before playing in the NFL.

"The playing time I got this year was instrumental as far as my maturing," Johnson said.

Johnson said even if he is told he would be a first-round pick, that might not be enough for him to leave USC.

"They probably would have to tell me I'd be a lock in the top 15," Johnson said. "I know I'm not right now, so I'd say it's slim to none (that I'd leave). People tell me right now I'd be in the first three rounds. I want to stay though and win the big one, the BCS championship."

USC running backs coach Todd McNair said he's almost always encouraged the tailbacks to stay in school.

Gable (Sylmar High) said he also will apply for an early evaluation.

All third-year players were encouraged by Carroll to send an application to the NFL.

"We're not afraid of what they might hear," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "The players know we want them to have as much information as possible."

USC secondary coach Rocky Seto said he remained undecided about an offer to become the defensive coordinator at Washington.

"I don't have timetable, hopefully something will come to me," Seto said. "It's probably the most serious I've considered (a job offer). I wouldn't say it's 100 percent (I will take the job but) it's exciting to be the defensive coordinator at Washington.

"It may seem like it's an obvious thing to do, but (my family) tries not to operate like that."

New Washington coach Steve Sarkisian is busy hiring USC employees. Besides Seto, Sarkisian has already hired two strength coaches, a personnel assistant and offered the quarterbacks coaching spot to USC graduate assistant Yogi Roth.

Defensive end Clay Matthews was invited to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., which is the most prestigious postseason bowl because every NFL team sends coaches and scouts to evaluate players.

Linebacker Kaluka Maiava was invited to the Shrine Game, which will be played in Houston.

USC football freshmen get audition

Dan Weber PE.com

LOS ANGELES - They'll start installing the Penn State game plan Thursday when the Trojans return to the practice field at the completion of exam week.

So Saturday was about next year's players showing what they can do. Three did: redshirt freshman quarterback Aaron Corp, freshman fullback D. J. Shoemate and freshman defensive lineman Nick Perry.

Coach Pete Carroll noted that Corp was as sharp as he's been all season for a second straight day, with Mark Sanchez watching and resting his sore ankle.

Shoemate's chance came due to injuries keeping first- and second-team fullbacks Stanley Havili (ankle) and Adam Goodman (knee) on the sidelines for the next week or 10 days.

"He had a couple of good blocks and a couple of catches," Carroll said.

Alternating between defensive end and the three-technique tackle spot, 250-pluspound Perry, a late-arriver from Detroit after an NCAA Clearinghouse holdup, will almost surely be redshirted after getting a shot to make plays at both spots. Carroll said the idea is to find out how Perry will fill out after a year of weightlifting.

Byers Will Know Monday

Fifth-year senior offensive guard Jeff Byers said that on Monday he'll either learn the result of his eligibility petition for a sixth year, after sitting out two seasons with an injury and multiple surgeries, or be informed of when the decision would come down.

Byers is both optimistic and realistic: "I fit the criteria, but it's the NCAA's call. We'll see."

Sarkisian Knows

Steve Sarkisian said he wasn't sure whether he'll get Rocky Seto to go to Washington with him, even after offering the USC secondary coach a chance to be his defensive coordinator.

"This is a hard place to leave from," said Sarkisian, USC's offensive coordinator and assistant head coach through the Rose Bowl.

Sarkisian turned down the Oakland Raiders head coaching job before Lane Kiffin took it two years ago.

And even though Seto said he expected to decide "in a few days," Sarkisian said, "There's no time limit."

Carroll said he'd "compete" to keep Seto, saying that he's "had a marvelous run" with the secondary and linebackers in his 11-year career as a USC assistant. But Carroll also said he wouldn't stand in the way of any staffer bettering his situation.

Smash-mouth Football

Rey Maualuga said he thought Penn State linebacker Josh Gaines' Friday comment that the Nittany Lions had to "hit them right in the mouth" was all good.

"It's good to know other people feel that way," Maualuga said. "It makes the matchup even better."

Injury Update

Tailback Joe McKnight watched from the sideline Saturday with a bruised tailbone.

A Different Kind Of Coach

CBSNews.com

Byron Pitts speaks with USC college football coach Pete Carroll, who, in addition to his success with the Trojans, is making a difference toward decreasing gang violence in Los Angeles.

Morton Named Offensive Coordinator

Brian Matthews WeAreSC.com

The search for the next offensive coordinator at USC did not last very long, as the Trojans officially named wide receivers coach John Morton as the replacement to Steve Sarkisian Friday morning.

Morton, who had been considered the favorite for the position left by new Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian, will take over his new duties following the conclusion of the Rose Bowl.

Carl Smith, a former USC quarterbacks coach in 2004, was also considered a candidate for the vacancy on the offensive side of the ball.

Morton’s hire, however, does not eliminate the possibility of bringing Smith onboard, as the two could work hand-in-hand much like Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian once did.

Many have questioned Morton’s experience as the major setback to him garnering the position, although head coach Pete Carroll dispelled those thoughts with his statements on his USCRipsIt website this morning.

“We brought in John (Morton) a few years ago for exactly this opportunity,” Carroll said of Morton on his website this morning. “We’re proud to elevate him to the offensive coordinator position.”

Morton, aside from becoming the teams wide-receivers coach, was also responsible for the passing game, as he earned the title of passing-game coordinator.

“With the coordinator duties John has had for several years now, he is well qualified to take over this new position,” Carroll said.

WeAreSC will continue to cover the newest addition to the staff with quotes from all parties following Friday’s practice.