Christian Tupou Class: Sophomore Hometown: Sacramento High School: Grant Height / Weight: 6-2 / 280 Position: DT Birthdate: 05/07/1989 Experience: 1V

2008: Tupou, who had an impressive showing in 2008 spring practice, will compete for the starting nose tackle job as a sophomore in 2008.

2007: Tupou saw brief action in 4 games (Washington State, Notre Dame, Arizona State and Illinois) as a reserve defensive tackle as a first-year freshman in 2007. He did not make a tackle. He won USC's John McKay Award and Service Team Defensive Player of the Year Award.

HIGH SCHOOL: His 2006 honors included Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Tacoma News-Tribune Western 100, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team and Sacramento Bee Defensive MVP as a senior defensive end and fullback at Grant High in Sacramento (Calif.). He had 82 tackles and 5 sacks in 2006 as Grant went 13-0.

As a junior in 2005, he was All-Area, All-City and All-League as he had 85 tackles, 16 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries.

He had 26 tackles and 9 sacks as a 2004 sophomore.

He also played basketball at Grant.

PERSONAL: He has a B average (3.02 GPA) at USC. His brother, Fenuki, is a senior offensive tackle at Oregon.

WHAT OTHERS SAY: USC head coach Pete Carroll: "Christian is a fast learner and he has such a great motor. He plays harder than anybody on our team. He'll be a factor."