2. USC football breakout players: Palaie Gaoteote
Palaie Gaoteote is a former five-star recruit that’s never actually lived up to his expectations, but that is changing this season. He’s a great fit in Orlando’s system.
He was supposed to take over the middle of the field last season, but coaches decided he would work best at the WILL linebacker role. It was a disappointment; one of many that was Gaoteote’s 2019 season. He also suffered an ankle injury that just forced his first year as a starter to fall well below his talent level.
This season, now that he’s had some experience in the NCAA, this is where Gaoteote will shine. He focused on his tackling last season, but his stat line beyond tackles was a massive flop. He had a zero in interceptions, fumbles both forced and recovered, sacks, deflections, anything besides bread and butter tackles came up empty.
Still, he flashed signs of greatness. Against Utah, where USC was trying to establish themselves against a top-ten team, Gaoteote had a ridiculous 14 tackles. Then, as he was finally getting used to his starting role, he went down just as the Trojans schedule was about to get easier.
Gaoteote is going to show his immense talent this season. The junior is looking to build his future NFL legacy and he’s with a coach and coordinator that have everything to gain in proving they can turn this talent around. Expect him to dominate on the field almost from the very beginning.