Maualuga a week away from deciding

At the recent CaliFlorida Bowl, the best defensive player from California or Florida was easily Eureka (Calif.) linebacker Rey Maualuga. The talented 'backer was even playing a new position but still dominated and is now just a week away from his decision.

Maualuga, 6-3, 240 pounds was not only the biggest linebacker on the field, but showed the most speed and quickness as well and was running down plays all game long. On one memorable play, Maualuga actually ran down all-world receiver Fred Rouse from behind after the wide out took a reverse and looked like he could be taking it the distance.

"I thought I could have played a lot better," Maualuga said. "I've never played outside linebacker before so I was taking a lot of bad angles and over running a few plays. I had fun though although I thought we should have won, just had too many turnovers."

Maualuga narrowed his choices to USC and Oregon over a month and said he'll announce his decision during the Army All-American game January 15. He didn't give any verbal clue as to who his leader was although he dropped a few hints during the week of practice.

"I'm not sure what I'm going to, it's still a tough decision," Maualuga said. "Both are great schools and I like the coaches from both schools a lot. That's why it's so hard, having to tell one of the schools no is going to be the toughest part for me."

As for the week leading up to the game, Maualuga wore a USC sweatshirt on multiple occasions and told several players there that he was going to USC. Look for the athlete to make it official a week from Saturday.