Tatupu Is Going Pro, but Malone Is Staying

Quarterback Matt Leinart was not the only USC player to make a decision about his future Friday.

Before Leinart announced that he was returning for a final year of eligibility, junior middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu said at a packed news conference that he would make himself available for the NFL draft and punter Tom Malone said he would return for his senior season.

“We didn’t hit on all cylinders like we would have liked to because we are going to miss Lofa Tatupu,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “He has been a fantastic contributor to this program.... He’s very determined to go on. Whether I agree with the situation or not doesn’t matter, I support the heck out of our guys.”

Tatupu, the Trojans’ leading tackler the last two seasons, said his decision was “a choice that was in my heart.”

Tatupu is the son of former Trojan fullback Mosi Tatupu. He redshirted in 2002 after transferring from Maine and moved into the starting lineup in 2003.

Tatupu was selected All-Pacific 10 Conference in December and was selected to one All-American team. He would have been considered a candidate for more All-American honors and the Butkus Award next season.

Tatupu said this week that he realized he would not be regarded as a top-round pick. On Friday, he said financial considerations played a role in his decision -- even though his value probably would have been higher after next season.

“I would just like to help my family any way I can,” he said.

Tatupu said his father needed convincing. “It was kind of a struggle to open his mind. In the end he saw it my way.”

Malone was an All-American in 2003 and averaged 43.8 yards for 49 kicks this season.

“He has been a lethal weapon for us,” Carroll said. “To have that factor of our team come back again just adds another element that can make us very difficult to beat next year.”

Malone said he still had the dream “to play on Sundays and to be able to be drafted and help out my family,” but was excited about returning to a team that has a chance to win an unprecedented third national title.

“It’s hard to leave right now with everything we have going on.... It’s been amazing,” Malone said. “Nowhere else could a punter have a press conference or a website.”