Arizona behemoth gets offer
Offensive lineman Richard “Tui” Tuitu’u (6-5, 300, 5.35) from Gilbert (Ariz.) Highland had an outstanding NIKE camp performance in San Diego over a week ago. Tuitu’u received his first written offer this past weekend. It looks like “Tui” will be receiving more written offers very soon.
Tuitu’u received his first offer from the Arizona Wildcats. The word is Utah will be next with an offer and it could already be in the mail. It is said that Nebraska and Washington are also very close to offering.
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“After Nebraska saw tape of Richard in action,” Highland head coach Preston Jones. “The Nebraska coach said out of the 15 offensive linemen they have offered, Richard would be in the two or three.”
“Florida has also requested game tape be sent overnight mail to them,” Jones said. “Richard’s recruiting is really beginning to heat up.”
Tuitu’u played offensive tackle as a junior but he could end up playing guard as a senior. Gilbert wants to take advantage of his quick feet. He may even project as an offensive guard. Guard is the position that Nebraska is recruiting him for.
As a junior, Tuitu’u was selected second-team all-region for his junior season performance.
Tuitu’u has tremendous strength and according Jones his young lineman tied for the best bench performance at NIKE. He wasn’t sure of the number of reps but it was in the mid-to-high 30’s.
His max isn’t bad either, his bench is 380 pounds and his power clean is 350.
“Richard is a great kid and a hard worker,” Jones said. “He’s also turning into a great leader.”
“You can’t coach Richard’s size and quickness,” Jones said. “He has unlimited potential.”
Tuitu’u also played some defense for Highland in 2003 and he is slated for even more defensive duty in 2004.
Tuitu’u has an early top eight of Arizona, Arizona State, UCLA, Washington, Florida, Utah, Missouri and Nebraska.
Tuitu’u’s stock is on a definite upswing.