5-Star OLB Palaie Gaoteote Commits To USC Trojans


Five-star recruit Palaie Gaoteote committed to USC on Sunday night. Gaoteote is ranked as the No. 16 overall player in the CI 25 player rankings for the 2018 recruiting class. 


There’s a new wave going on, and it’s carrying many of the country’s top recruits to Los Angeles.

On Sunday night, 5-star prospect Palaie Gaoteote committed to USC. The Trojans now have six total commits in the cycle and have moved up from No. 5 to No. 2 in the 2018 recruiting class rankings.

Gaoteote, who attends Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, is ranked as the No. 1 outside linebacker and No. 16 overall player in the CI 25 recruiting rankings. The offers had been piling up for Gaoteote, and he released a statement on why the time was right to give the Trojans his pledge.

“I would first like to give all glory and honor to my lord and savior: Jesus Christ. He is my rock and my confidant. He is my everything. Thank you to my family, pastors, coaches, teammates, friends, and everyone who has supported me in the pursuit of my dreams. I would especially like to thank every college coach that has offered me a scholarship to play football at your university. I am truly humbled. It’s every kid’s dream to be offered, and I promise I don’t take it lightly. However, I apologize in that I can only choose on school. After discussing with my family, I am excited to announce that I am committing to further my education and play football for the University of Southern California — USC! I look forward to finishing my senior year with my Bishop Gorman brothers, defending both our state and national championships, then moving on to join my new family — the USC Trojans! Fight on!”

At 6-foot-2, 230 lbs., Gaoteote lives in opposing teams’ backfields and flows down the line well. He can come off the edge and provide backside pursuit, and he’ll shoot through gaps without hesitation.

He’ll be an excellent fit with USC.

MORE: 2018 Recruiting Class Player Rankings – The CI 25