Early signings land USC prized linebackers

JSerra defensive end Abdul-Malik McClain chases Santa Margarita quarterback Josiah Norwood before pulling Norwood down for a sack on Oct. 27. (Shotgun Spratling / Los Angeles Times)College football’s first early-signing period netted USC eight players Wednesday, including a quartet of quick, athletic linebackers headed by five-star recruit Palaie Gaoteote IV of Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas.

The Trojans also landed Abdul-Malik McClain, a linebacker who had been committed to UCLA. And coach Clay Helton said the school is far from done, with two days left in the early-signing window and the regular-signing period looming in February.

“There’s still more out there,” he said. “Guys are still…