Auwae lands first SEC offer, has one visit set
At first, Toleafoa Auwae intended to wait until national signing day to announce his college decision but several offers already in hand and spots filling up nationwide, the three-star center is considering making a commitment earlier than expected.
The 6-foot-3, 296-pound lineman from Kapolei, Hawaii, added an offer from Vanderbilt earlier this week and has also reignited conversations with UCLA, which was without the recruiting services of offensive line coach Adrian Klemm during the ever-crucial spring evaluation period.
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"I feel the Vanderbilt offer is a big one with it being my first in the SEC," Auwae said. "It's a very prestigious school and it's an SEC program. I've talked to coach (Frank) Maile, coach (Kevin) Lightner, coach (Tyler) Barnes and the head coach (Derek Mason) as well."
Auwae, the No. 3-rated prospect in Hawaii for the 2016 class according to Rivals.com, said an official visit to see Vanderbilt is "likely." He has already set one visit and is eyeing others.
"I'm taking an official visit to Louisville on Sept. 17th," Auwae said. "They will be playing Clemson, so I know it'll be good. They have told me I'm the No. 1 guy on their board, so I'm excited to check that out."
Oregon State and Texas Tech are two others Auwae intends to officially visit before he makes a decision.
UCLA, meanwhile, has rejoined the chase in recent weeks and could jump in with an offer soon.
"Coach Klemm is great," Auwae said. "He's a Hawaii boy, so I relate to him. I sent them my transcripts and Klemm told me he's going to get back to me as soon as possible."
The Bruins, Auwae said, would be intriguing due to proximity to home. He has been on campus already and enjoyed his stay in Los Angeles.
Though a few schools have started to separate themselves, Auwae said he has no commitment date set.
"Not yet," Auwae said, "but I know it's been moved up."
Auwae and Kapolei open the 2015 season later this month.