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Sark hasn't landed everyone he wanted in his first full recruiting class at USC, but it sure seems like it. They are loading up with talented recruits and Osa Masina is the just the latest blue chip prospect to be added to the list.
What kind of player are the Trojans getting in Masina?
Osa Masina - 5 star linebacker
First off, let's get this straight: Masina is talented enough to play as a running back in college as well. It wouldn't be his best position, but he could be a very good player if he only wanted to play offense at USC.
His future is brightest at linebacker though and that's where he'll be playing for the Trojans. He's a scheme versatile player that could fit as an inside or outside linebacker, or even line up on the edge if that's what they want to do with him. He's such a fantastic athlete and has the speed to be a sideline to sideline player versus the run. He also shows the physicality to take on the iso and work through the muck to handle inside runs. As a senior, he showed great improvement reading his keys versus the run and that's what turned him from an outstanding athlete to a 5 star linebacker prospect.
It's not a surprise that he has the skills to be a 3-down linebacker that never has to step off the field. He transitions in coverage like a safety and can match up in man coverage versus just about any running back as well as athletic tight ends. As a blitzer, he may be even better though. He displays great timing and is explosive when he comes through the line. Even when he gets picked up, he works to not stay picked up and get off blocks and finish the play.
He has that same kind of fire when he is coming off the edge, where he shows he can bend naturally. He doesn't have the ideal body to be an edge rusher, but his speed and lateral agility make him worthy of a look in nickel pass rush situations if he's not going to be used in coverage.
Masina is good enough to see the field immediately at USC if he can pick up the defense quickly. He has all the tools to be an impact player in the Pac-12 for multiple seasons.