Kaluka Maiava LB 6’ 230 USC

Maiva made an immediate impact on special teams for USC, and has been a standout there during his career. As a freshman, he had 20 tackles and an interception, earning USC’s Co-special teams player of the year. As a sophomore he again earned that award, while playing more on defense, finishing the season with 34 tackles, 3.5 of them for a loss. Maiava made his biggest impact as a defender as a junior in 2007, earning two starts and posting 44 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and two sacks. Maiava will take over for Keith Rivers this season, and hopes to continue his level of all around play.

Strengths

Maiava is a very quick linebacker that plays with a lot of aggressiveness. He has played quite a bit despite only two starts, but is flying around the field as soon as he gets between the lines. He is quick to diagnose the play, and wastes no time flowing to the action. He throws his body around without regard for injury, and plays bigger than his size because of it. Maiava has shown the instincts, quickness, speed, and toughness that projects to the NFL as a weakside linebacker.

Weaknesses

Size is the glaring issue with Maiava. He is short and has only average bulk, which may limit his upside in the NFL. Blockers can take him out of the action when they lock on to him. He will need to step up and show he can play a much larger role than he has played in the past, as he is becoming the a starter for the first time this season.

Future

Kaluka Maiava has played quite a bit to be a valuable performer for USC the past two seasons, but he will be expected to provide a larger role this year. He needs to show that he can stay on the field and make an impact as a starter to make a statement as a draftable player.