USC Linebacker Tayler Katoa Enters the Transfer Portal
USC linebacker Tayler Katoa became the first USC Trojan to officially enter the transfer portal on the first day of this offseason’s transfer window.
The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Katoa was a three-star prospect in USC’s 2017 recruiting class. He enrolled early with the Trojans and looked as though he could make a quick impact. He was very good during the early part of spring ball that year, but went on to tear a ligament in his knee.
The injury ultimately derailed his career at USC. He missed the entire 2017 season and returned enough to participate in non-contact drills during 2018 spring ball. But Katoa then left for a two-year Mormon mission. He returned to USC for the 2020 season but missed both the 2020 and 2021 seasons while recovering from the knee injury.
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Katoa moved to rush end under the new USC coaching staff in 2022. But his injury seemed to linger. He was able to practice for stretches, but never truly pushed for playing time. Due to a redshirt year, the 2020 Covid season and two years missed while on his mission, Katoa should have two years of eligibility remaining wherever he lands out of the transfer portal.
He was a two-way standout in high school, playing defensive end, linebacker and quarterback. He had 36 tackles and two sacks on defense. And as a quarterback, he passed for 299 yards and rushed for 784, accounting for 17 touchdowns.
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