USC goes to Samoa for latest recruit

By Garry Paskwietz
Date: Jun 25, 2002

The Trojan staff has been aggressive in their search for top talent across the country and now comes the news that USC will be bringing in an additional offensive lineman this fall and it’s safe to say that this player qualifies as an out of state recruit.

Travis Tofi (6’4", 240) played last season at Fagaitua High School in American Samoa and his visit last week to the Trojan campus has resulted in him being offered a scholarship starting this fall. His full name is Tupulua Travis Tofi and he is the eldest of six children while growing up in the Aoa village in Samoa. He was initially overlooked by mainland scouts until George Malauulu of the AIGA Foundation, a group designed to help promote Samoan athletes, sent out tapes to many Division I schools. USC line coach Keith Uperesa helped bring him in as Travis chose the Trojans over the University of Utah with plans to major in general education.

Travis was one of 7 football players honored at the Samoa International Sports Awards this past April, an event which recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Samoan athletes in Samoa, USA and around the world.