USC commit 'solid as ever' but visits could still happen

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Palaie Gaoteote committed to USC in February during a visit to campus and after multiple talks with coach Clay Helton.

Those interactions sold him on the Trojans.

“It was coach Helton,” Gaoteote said of his reason for committing to USC. “He’s a genuine dude. The fact that he preached faith, family and football and those are three big concepts in my life. That’s probably the biggest thing that sold me.”

The five-star linebacker from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman said his commitment is as “solid as ever” but that does not mean other top programs have backed off.

Ohio State, UCLA, Georgia, Clemson and Oregon are just a few that continue to pursue Gaoteote, who is seriously considering a full round of official visits.

“I might take some other trips,” Gaoteote said. “Want my family to kind of relax and see the world. It would be big for me. From Hawaii, Nevada and California, I’ve never been across the country. That would probably be the biggest thing for me.”

Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon and UCLA could be possible destinations. He’s already been to Columbus once and getting back to see the Buckeyes is a strong possibility. Meeting with coach Urban Meyer again would be a highlight.

“He’s just a great dude, a great coach and he’s probably the sole reason on why I’d want to go back there,” Gaoteote said.

Gorman lost to Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei on Friday night. On the other sideline was four-star linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu and Gaoteote said he’s a top target to join him at USC.

“The dream, the Uce Crew,” Gaoteote said. “That would be great if both of us were in the same backfield. (We talk about it) all the time. I Snapchat him about it and text him about it.”