Dec. 4, 2008

USC senior linebacker Rey Maualuga has been named to the Football Coaches All-America first team.

It's the 152nd time that a Trojan has made an All-American first team.

Maualuga, a 2-time All-Pac-10 first teamer who is also a finalist for the 2008 Lombardi Award, Butkus Award, Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy, leads USC with 68 tackles and has also intercepted two passes (including a 48-yarder for a touchdown in a victory over Ohio State).

He spearheads a USC defense that is ranked first nationally in total defense, scoring defense, pass defense and pass efficiency defense and sixth in rushing defense. The Trojans have allowed just 10 touchdowns in 2008 and 86 total points (only 22 points in second halves of games), and have posted three shutouts. Nine of USC's 11 opponents in 2008 have been limited to 100 or less rushing yards and under 250 total yards.