USC Offers Potential Fourth Generation Trojan Elijah Vaikona
USC has one 2025 offensive lineman current committed, but Josh Henson and the Trojans are hoping to sign four to five linemen in this cycle. While they do need one more interior lineman, USC needs to load up a bit at offensive tackle.
Although USC is currently in a pretty solid spot with offensive tackles Aaron Dunn and Nick Brooks after their official visits, they still have more official visits to take. That’s what makes June camp evaluations a huge priority for Henson with a select few he’s invited to workout.
On Tuesday night three-star Santa Margarita (CA) offensive tackle Elijah Vaikona worked out for Henson on Howard Jones Field. WeAreSC was there and Vaikona was impressive, impressive enough to earn a scholarship from USC on Thursday.
“Since the camp on Tuesday, they’ve stayed in touch,” said Vaikona. “So, Coach Henson FaceTimed me last night and we talked for a good amount. Now we’re just to getting to know each other and building a relationship.
“Then from about two hours ago, Coach Lincoln Riley FaceTime me and my mom, and he broke the news. It was pretty cool. It’s not every day the USC head coach calls or FaceTimes you.”
Significance of USC offer
Should Vaikona end up at USC, and there’s a very good shot he will, he’d be the fourth consecutive generation attending the prestigious university.
“USC is the the first school that you learn about, especially as a Polynesian kid, because almost every great Poly has gone there,” Vaikona said. So, just having the USC offer really means a lot.
“My great grandfather played basketball at USC and then also went to dental school. So I’d be a fourth generation USC student. So it’s pretty special, because my mom says USC changed the trajectory of our family.
“We went out to dinner after the camp for my mother’s birthday and I was speechless and shocked. But we did some talking yesterday and today. Being able to play big time ball, but staying close to home is huge for me.
“My family can come to the games. And wouldn’t be just staying in touch, I’d be able to see them. That would be huge, because my family really is everything to me. And then it’s L.A., so LA kinda has everything in one.”
What’s next?
Since Vaikona has established relationships with several staffs and set up an official visit to Washington. He’ll likely take several more official visits.
“At first, they wanted me to reschedule Washington, but I don’t wanna burn any bridges,” said Vaikona. “Washington was my first big offer, so I’m going to be at USC on Wednesday for an unofficial and take my Washington official visit June 21-23.
“I’ll definitely try to catch a USC official during the season.”
Josh Henson
“He definitely knows what he’s talking about,” Vaikona said. “And then getting to know more of him in the past two days, his track record is great.”
Lincoln Riley
“He’s a very respectful and kind guy, that’s one thing my mom and I took away from our conversation,” said Vaikona. “I like what he what he sees in me, I like what they both see in me.
“They see someone who can play not only at the highest level in college, but also in the NFL. And I think that really it draws my attention. And then I think every coach has said I have a great family, so that’s a huge part for me.”
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