In-state schools tracking 2021 Utah DE Tupou Maile

The state of Utah has done an excellent job of producing top-notch talent over the years but during the last handful of cycles, schools from around the country are starting to realize that the state has been under recruited in the past. That has led to schools like Alabama, LSU and others reaching into the state to nab talent, giving the in-state schools more competition to keep players close to home. With the trend not appearing to be slowing down anytime soon, schools like Utah and BYU are working to build relationships earlier in the process. That's the case with 2021 defensive lineman Tupou Maile, who already has a Utah State offer and is emerging as a target for the Utes. Rivals.com recently caught up with Maile to talk recruiting, including his relationship with the Utah staff.

"I just got my first offer from Utah State after working out at their camp and that was huge. I've always wanted to earn my first offer and I was starting to get a little discouraged but getting that first one validates all my hard work and just makes me want to work harder."

Feedback from Utah State coaches: "I was at the camp and I did really well and they said the liked my speed and athleticism and how agile I was for a lineman."

Utah: "I've been talking to them a lot and they like my game they just want to see more of my film first before they offer. I played some varsity last year but they just want to see more complete games and stuff like that. I went up there for a short camp and talked to the coaches."

Keeping in-state kids home: "I was talking to coach Sione Po'uha at Utah and he told me they really want to keep the talent in-state. My mom likes Utah and my dad likes BYU so I grew up watching both of them play a lot."