Cali DT worth watching
It's never easy finding quality defensive tackles, especially out West, but one player we feel projects as a Div I level prospect is Gardena (Calif.) Serra lineman Sione Tuihalamaka. Tuihalamaka stands out on both sides of the ball and could play a number of positions in college.
Tuihalamaka, 6-3, 275 pounds played defensive end and offensive guard last season but defensive tackle may be his best college position. The big lineman has all the physical tools to play at the next level including a solid frame, strength and athleticism.
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As a junior, Tuihalamaka racked up 43 tackles and five sacks to earn 1st team all-league, all-area, all-CIF and 2nd team all-state underclass honors. He's also a standout Rugby player and could make the USA under 18 team.
On the recruiting front, the lineman is waiting for his first offer but is hearing from most of the Pac 10 right now.
"Oregon, Colorado and UCLA are probably recruiting me the hardest right now," Tuihalamaka said. "They have talked to me about coming to their games next year and said they're going to be recruiting me.
"Right now, I like Cal, Oregon, Arizona State, USC and UCLA. I'm going to camp with USC and UCLA and will also attend the SoCal NIKE Camp in May.
"I'm looking for a school with a strong football program. I also want to go somewhere that is strong academically and where I'll be comfortable with the coaching staff."