One of Burfict’s 162-season tackles. Image from Scout

USC grabbed another top prospect for 2009 with yesterday’s official commit from Corona Centennial linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Burfict has been rated as the top Junior linebacker in the state of California, and the 19th overall for ’09 by Rivals. The 6’2”- 235 lbs. tackling machine tallied up an incredible 162 tackles as a junior. As reported on Rivals, Burfict had this to say of his decision:

“USC also has some great linebackers, and my position coach, Ken Norton, is cool. He loves my combination of size and speed. They want me to come in and be a starter for four-years because they lose a bunch of linebackers. They need guys to step in right away, and that’s what I want to do.”

Those linebackers the Trojans will lose to graduation will include Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga and Kaluka Maiava, leaving some big shoes for a freshman to fill. But with any luck he’ll come right in and be a Burfict fit…

Check out the Burfict highlight videos here