‘USC was home’: Mojave LB commits on national signing day — LIST

There wasn’t any signing day mystery for Mojave’s AJ Tuitele.

The senior linebacker had already decided when he walked toward a cardinal-and-gold-colored table in the school’s theater.

Tuitele signed his financial aid agreement (formerly letter of intent) with USC on national signing day in front of dozens of his family members and teammates at Mojave on Wednesday.

“It’s a blessing,” Tuitele said. “People that know my journey, they know this is a blessing. Last year, I don’t think this would have happened. I wouldn’t have thought in the future that I’d be signing with USC.”

He was among more than 20 Southern Nevada athletes who signed Wednesday. Tuitele also received notable offers from Texas, Arizona and Washington State.

“USC, they’re known for that (Polynesian) pipeline,” Tuitele said. “I just want to add to that culture. The coaching staff, they welcomed me on my visit with open arms. They’re a great staff, and they got a lot in plan for next season.”

Tuitele, a three-star prospect by 247Sports, got USC’s attention late in the winter after helping lead Mojave to the Class 4A state championship.

Tuitele, listed at 6 feet 3 inches, 205 pounds, was originally committed to Washington State. But after a coaching change at the school, he was granted a release to explore other options.

USC offered Tuitele in January, and he took a visit to the school a few weeks later.

“I made a decision, in my heart, that USC was right for me. … I felt that USC was home,” Tuitele said.

Tuitele led the state with 196 tackles this season. The first-team All-Southern Nevada linebacker added 39 tackles for loss, five sacks and four rushing touchdowns in Mojave’s 12-1 state title season.

“He’s been our culture setter the last four years,” Mojave coach Wes Pacheco said. “It’s a special moment knowing that he’s a rooted player. He’s been a part of this school’s culture and the football team’s culture.”

Pacheco said he hopes Tuitele’s story can inspire others about the opportunities to play major Division I college football regardless of the school you attend.

“There’s a misconception that if you’re not at the major schools, you’re not going anywhere,” Pacheco said. “We’re breaking the mold here. We represent not just Mojave but any program in the state that if any kid does things the right way, you can go to any school.”

Contact Alex Wright at awright@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AlexWright1028 on X.