Tag: Ratumana Bulabalavu

Jadyn Walker and Ratumana Bulabalavu are difference makers for USC football’s 2024 class

USC signed three defensive players in 48 hours. Not bad. Not bad at all.

USC head coach Lincoln Riley has put together a stellar 2024 recruiting class. The Trojans are currently ranked No. 19 in the nation. The class got even better with the recent addition of four-star defensive lineman Ratumana Bulabalavu from Carlsbad (California).

The Army-Navy Academy senior took an official visit last weekend to USC and connected with edge rushing coach Shaun Nua.

“It has to do partially with sharing the same ethnicity. We’re both Samoan, so we have connections through the culture. It plays a big role,” Bulabalavu said, per On3. “The Polynesian connection really makes a difference. He knows where I’m coming from, the type of family structure. He understood and was transparent about how he felt about me and how things are going at USC. It’s been a really special connection overall.”

This past season Bulabalavu, a former Washington Husky commit, exploded on the recruiting scene, going from a two-star to a four-star rating in just one year. He recorded 99 tackles, 19 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. In his junior season he racked up a stellar 23.5 sacks and 30 tackles for a loss.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Bulabalavu is ranked as the 48th-best player in the state by ESPN, 61st by 247Sports, and 69th by Rivals.com.

Adding Bulabalavu and Jadyn Walker is a huge stepping stone for USC. Let’s see if the Trojans can add another piece or two. Keep in mind that Isaiah Rubin finally signed on the dotted line and sealed his commitment to the Trojans. If you include Rubin, USC signed three players — not two — in the past 48 hours.

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USC flips blue-chip 2024 defensive line commit on eve of national signing day

USC beats out Utah for a defensive lineman who decommitted from Washington.

On Tuesday, Ratumana Bulabalavu took to social media to announce his commitment to play football at USC. Defensive line coaches Shaun Nua and Eric Henderson closed in on the Carlsbad, California, four-star lineman after he decommitted from the University of Washington on January 24.

USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn has made it no secret that he values versatile linemen who can allow the defense to have multiple fronts without the need to substitute. Bulabalavu is big and athletic. He’s currently listed at 6-4 and 260 pounds, but he has the frame to add significant weight and become an even bigger force.

The multi-sport standout at Army and Navy Academy also starred in rugby and on the track team, where he competed in the discus, shot put, triple jump, and the 110-meter hurdles.  His size, strength and athleticism will allow him to play multiple positions on the line when he has a year or two in a collegiate strength and conditioning program.

In an interview with 247Sports, Bulabalavu shared his thoughts behind his decision:

“I like the scheme fit as well,” he said. “They see me as a combo, outside/inside player. They want a dynamic defensive line that is both athletic but also very heavy up front to compete in the Big Ten, so I’ll move around from tackle to edge.”

Explaining his choice for the Trojans over the Utah Utes, Bulabalavu highlighted the coaching staff’s potential. He added, “I’m completely bought in to being a part of the first class they develop and cultivate into an NFL talent.”

Bulabalavu becomes the sixth player added to the Trojans’ defensive line in the offseason, one more example of Lincoln Riley’s pledge to prioritize the defense. USC currently has the No. 17 recruiting class in the country, and Jadyn Walker is expected to flip his commitment from Michigan State to USC on national signing day.

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