Checking in with Kaluka Maiava

It has been an incredible year for Wailuku (Hawaii) Baldwin linebacker Kaluka Maiava. From his standout showing at the Nike Camps back in the summer, to committing early to UCLA and then switching to USC when he got his dream offer to his monster year on the field this past season, Maiava’s life has been anything but quiet.

Maiava, 5-11, 215 pounds was an absolute monster on the field this past season posting huge numbers from his middle linebacker position. In just nine games, the athlete had 147 tackles, 39 for loss, forced eight fumbles and blocked five kicks. In his season finale this past weekend, Maiava had 18 tackles, forced a fumble, had a quarterback sack and scored three touchdowns on offense including a 72 yard punt return.

Maiava caused quite a stir a few months back when he jumped on a scholarship offer from USC after having committed to UCLA over the summer.

“USC was just where his heart was at,” Maiava father Scott Mahoney told us at the time. “UCLA was tough to say no to but he always wanted to go to SC and he couldn’t pass that up.”

Maiava will take an unofficial visit to SC (Nov. 27) when the Trojans take on Notre Dame and will take his official visit (Dec. 10).

“Kaluka is doing great and is really looking forward to competing at SC,” Mahoney said. “It’s going to be a challenge but I really think he’s going to surprise a lot of people when he gets out there. He has been weight lifting like crazy since the season ended and is also doing boxing and soccer at the school. I really think he’s as good any linebacker USC is recruiting and Kaluka can’t wait to get out there.”