Lauded Utah linebackerOsa Masinawill announce his collegiate intentions Friday, Jan. 23, and USC seems to be situated in a strong position among top contenders.The Trojans, who hosted Masina in late November for the last of his three official visits, are considered the favorite among national recruiting experts. USC is projected to sign him by 58 percent of analysts in 247Sports' crystal ball, garnering the six most recent predictions.Masina, a 6'3.5", 230-pound U.S. Army All-American, is also still weighing offers from fellow finalists and Pac-12 programs Arizona State and UCLA."My experience with USC and their coaching staff has definitely been positive, but I'm still considering all my options," he told Bleacher Report earlier this month.Steve Sarkisian and his staff have been diligent in their pursuit of the Brighton High School standout. USC paid him a visit Wednesday, showing some last-minute love before the big decision:Masina rates third nationally among outside linebackers in 247Sports' composite rankings, and 35th overall among 2015 prospects. He skill set has garnered more than 20 scholarship offers from some of the country's top college programs."Just recently he had to tell Oregon, Stanford and Notre Dame he wasn't going there, which is a very difficult thing," Brighton coach Ryan Bullett told Brandon Gurneyof theDesert News.Masina compiled a career-high 97 tackles and 10 sacks in 2014, per MaxPreps. His prowess as an all-around playmaker is further evidenced by 2,239 rushing yards and 33 scores on the ground since 2013.He shined among America's elite high school football talent last summer at The Opening, an invite-only showcase held at Nike's world headquarters in Oregon. His athleticism compared favorably among the majority of front-seven defenders in attendance. "I enjoy getting after it on defense," Masina said in Oregon. "I'm working to improve and build up my strength. I think I can make an early impact in college."USC views him as a pivotal piece of its plan to coordinate a strong final push toward national signing day. The Trojans are still firmly in the mix for several coveted recruits, including fellow 5-star defenders Iman Marshall and Rasheem Green.A commitment from Masina would certainly provide a positive start toward the Trojans' lofty goals with less than two weeks remaining until signing day.USC already welcomed 4-star inside linebackerCameron Smithto campus as an early enrollee, and he'll participate in spring camp. The Trojans are also considered a favorite for fellow Utah linebacker Porter Gustin, who hosted Steve Sarkisian on Tuesday for an in-home visit:Gustin told me he's likely to end up in an interior role at USC if that's where he lands. Masina complements both him and Smith well with his ability to wreak havoc off the edge and patrol the perimeter as an outside presence.UCLA is arguably the biggest threat to USC, and hosted Masina on campus for a game in October. However, 5-star Bruins defensive end commitKeisean Lucier-Southsat next to him at the Rose Bowl and noted his interest in the Trojans.I spent a lot of time talking with Osa Masinaat the UCLA game, and he really seemed interested in USC," he told me afterward. "Its a place he could see himself playing."More than three months later, there's little lingering doubt that Masina will ultimately end up in a Trojans uniform. Consider USC a prohibitive favorite when he steps to the podium Friday.All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise stated. Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.
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