USC freshman LB Tayler Katoa out for year after tearing knee ligament

LOS ANGELES -- Southern California freshman linebacker Tayler Katoa will miss the upcoming season after tearing a knee ligament during spring practice.

USC coach Clay Helton announced Katoa's injury Saturday.

Katoa was an early enrollee at USC. The Layton, Utah, product picked the Trojans in December over in-state schools Utah and BYU.

Katoa was recruited by several schools as a quarterback, but he was off to a strong start as an inside linebacker for the defending Rose Bowl champions.

Helton said Katoa will need knee surgery. He is expected to be sidelined for nine months.

USC's spring game is April 15.