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Five Trojans to Senior Bowl All-Star Game
Mobile, Al.

Photo - LB Brian Cushing - Southern Cal

The Under Armour Senior Bowl has invited five members of the top ranked University of Southern California defense. They have accepted invitations to the 60th game on January 24th in Mobile's Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 pm (CT) and the game will be televised by the NFL Network.
The five USC players headed to Mobile later this month are: linebackers Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews and defensive linemen Fili Moala and Kyle Moore. Of the five, three landed on various All-American lists this season. They are all members of a defensive unit that is ranked #1 overall in the nation in total defense, surrendering just over 206 yards per game during the regular season. They finished with an impressive performance in their Rose Bowl victory against Penn St.
Maualuga is perhaps the most decorated and recognizable of the bunch. The long-haired linebacker won the Chuck Bednarik Award this season, which is given annually to the nation's best defensive player. He was also named to nine different All-American 1st teams, including Draft Insiders.com, the Associated Press' and Walter Camp's. He earned Pac-10 defensive player of the year after leading the Trojans with 73 tackles in 2008. He also notched two interceptions and three pass break-ups. Playing alongside Maualuga this season, Cushing racked up 66 total tackles, one interception and six pass break-ups. The Park Ridge, New Jersey native was named a Draft Insiders.com1st team All-American and 1st team All-Pac-10 in 2008. Matthews is the fourth person from his family to play football at USC. He totaled 51 tackles on the season and 4.5 sacks. A 1st team Pac-10 All-Academic selection in 2008, Matthews is a former walk-on at the defensive end position. While Matthews can play both the defensive end and linebacker position, he will come to Mobile as a linebacker.
Moala and Moore anchor a Trojan defensive front that ranks fifth in the country in rushing defense. Moala, a defensive tackle, earned 2nd team All-American honors by Draft Insiders.com, the Sporting News and 3rd team honors by both the AP and Phil Steele. The 6-5, 295 pounder was also a 1st team All-Pac 10 selection and has 10 tackles for a loss on the season to go along with 4.5 sacks.
Moore was named the Trojans' Most Inspirational Player in 2008. The defensive end leads the team with five sacks on the season. He also has 28 total tackles and one pass break-up. A two year starter for the Trojans, Moore was an Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 selection this season.
Tickets for the 2009 Under Armour Senior Bowl are currently available for purchase at the Senior Bowl ticket office and online at www.seniorbowl.com or by calling (251) 432-4109.

Frank Coyle has been a scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl All-star game for the past 15 years.