USC Trojans fans: It’s time to familiarize yourself with the name Palaie Gaoteote IV. The former five-star recruit appeared in USC’s final seven games last season at various linebacker positions, after being sidelined for the first few weeks of the season while recovering from surgery on a torn meniscus suffered in fall camp.
As a true freshman, Gaoteote energized the USC defense with flashes of explosiveness and brilliance that have fans wondering if he can be the next Trojan to add his name to the list of All-American linebackers that have worn the cardinal and gold. In response to Gaoteote’s impressive start, there were rumblings among the team and fans that Gaoteote would be given the hallowed No.