A highly-touted defensive tackle, Mauga committed to San Diego State last season but never enrolled. As a sophomore at Grossmont JC in 2004, Mauga was named first team J.C. Gridwire All-American and was listed as one of the top 30 defensive line recruits (high school and junior college) in America by Scout.com. The 6-foot-1, 300-pounder was a two-time first team all-Foothill Conference selection and was the league’s defensive MVP during his final season. That year, Mauga tallied 62 tackles, 11 quarterback sacks and forced five fumbles. As a freshman, he had 51 tackles, including seven sacks. Grossmont posted a 24-2 record during his tenure and never lost a regular season game.

Mauga graduated from Helix High School in San Diego in 2003. He was an all-CIF first team selection while also earning all-county and all-league honors. As a senior, he posted 84 tackles with 15 sacks while starting at inside and outside linebacker. Helix went 13-0 that season.

Russell returns to Northern California after spending last season at Missouri. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound lineman played two seasons at Solano JC in Vacaville, Calif., and prepped at St. Patrick’s High School in Vallejo. While at Solano, he was named one of the top 100 junior college players at any position by SuperPrep. He helped guide Solano to a pair of bowl games and was the team’s MVP as a sophomore in 2004.

Last season at Missouri, Russell missed the entire year due to injury. He will have one year of eligibility remaining. Mauga has two years left.

“Both Matt and Dallas help fill immediate needs and we expect both to play significant roles for the Hornets this fall,” head coach Steve Mooshagian said.

“I had to pinch myself when I heard they were coming here. They are impact players and the dream became a reality when they started classes this morning.”

The pair join three other midyear signees. Sacramento State will announce the rest of its recruiting class on Feb. 1.

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