USC pulled off its biggest heist of last winter's recruiting cycle when it flipped Marlon Tuipulotu from his commitment to Washington with less than two weeks before signing day.
Tuipulotu was considered one of the best defensive linemen in the nation, and when he showed up in the spring he showed why. He was big, already almost 300 pounds, with refined technique and quick feet. He narrowly missed out on a starting spot and saw significant time early.
On Tuesday, coach Clay Helton announced that Tuipulotu’s season was done. The freshman from Oregon underwent season-ending surgery on his back Tuesday.