USC Lands Five-Star Recruit Who Wants to Play Both Sides of the Ball

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

USC Lands Five-Star Recruit Who Wants to Play Both Sides of the Ball

USC five-star commit Honor Fa'alave-Johnson poses for a photo in his Cathedral Catholic uniform.

USC football secured the nation’s top-ranked 2026 class in February, and the Trojans’ incoming class got even stronger on Saturday when five-star recruit Honor Fa’alave-Johnson announced his commitment to USC.

He narrowed his choices down to USC, Oregon, Texas, Miami, LSU and Notre Dame before ultimately committing to USC during a live announcement on CBS Sports HQ.

Fa’alave-Johnson is a running back and safety and told TMZ he plans to continue playing on both sides of the ball at USC next season. He recorded 40 tackles and three interceptions while also logging 1,530 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns as a junior at Cathedral Catholic.

“That’s definitely the goal,” Fa’alave-Johnson told TMZ about playing on both offense and defense. “I’ve been doing it all my life, so why stop now?”

“My junior season really opened my eyes and let me know I can really go both ways,” Fa’alave-Johnson added.

Fa’alave-Johnson’s versatility on the field will be a big advantage for the Trojans. Adoree Jackson was the last player to contribute to both offense and defense for USC from 2014-16.

Fa’alave-Johnson Has Been Receiving Advice From a Former USC Star

Fa’alave-Johnson told TMZ he has received advice from former USC star running back Marcus Allen throughout the recruitment process. Allen was the fourth USC running back to win the Heisman Trophy in 1981 after becoming the first player in history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.

Allen won a national championship with USC as a freshman in 1978. Then, he went on to have a decorated career in the NFL with the then-Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs.

Jan 1, 1980; Pasadena, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Southern California Trojans running back Marcus Allen (33) in action against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 1980 Rose Bowl game where USC defeated OSU 17-16 at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Long Photography-USA TODAY Sports

He won Super Bowl XVIII and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award with the Raiders in 1984. Then, Allen was named the NFL MVP the following season in 1985. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

And like Fa’alave-Johnson, Allen is a San Diego native.

“Him dropping wisdom on me and checking on me — it’s unreal,” Fa’alave-Johnson said to TMZ. “He’s a Hall of Famer. I hope I can follow in his footsteps.”

Photo Credit: On3

The post USC Lands Five-Star Recruit Who Wants to Play Both Sides of the Ball appeared first on LA Sports Report.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos