A week of player attrition continued this week for USC as the Trojans learned they’ve prematurely lost another member of their defensive line.
According to a posting on the school’s official blog, defensive tackle Hebron “Loni” Fangupo has decided to transfer to BYU. The website framed the reason for leaving as a “family decision"; the Orange County Register writes that the 25-year-old Fangupo was married earlier this year.
“Loni made a family decision to transfer and walk on at BYU,” head coach Lane Kiffin said. “We wish him and his family the best, and we appreciate his participation in our program.”
The junior will be eligible to play in 2011.
Fangupo played in seven games this past season, and was expected to be a part of the defensive line rotation next season.
Earlier this week, it was reported that offensive tackle Tyron Smith and defensive tackle Jurrell Casey had decided to forego their final year of eligibility and make themselves available for the 2011 NFL draft. Wednesday, Sheldon Richardson, the No. 3 JUCO player in the nation according to Rivals.com, flipped his verbal commitment to USC and instead signed a Letter of Intent with Missouri.