Latu still favors Pac-10 team
Missouri, Oregon and others have offered four-star center Mo Latu but Arizona State still stands out to the Gilbert (Ariz.) Perry prospect even if he's not prepared to make a commitment soon.
Latu, a 6-foot-3, 306-pound recruit, said he not only gets along with coach Dennis Erickson and assistant coach Grady Stretz well but that playing college football close to family is an important factor in his decision-making process.
Advertisement
"I like that it's the hometown school," Latu said.
"It plays a factor because of my family and the relationships I have with the coaches over there. I like the way they run their program and everything. It's kind of a big thing. Playing in front of family is a big thing for me."
Missouri is the latest offer for Latu, rated as the fifth-best center nationally and seventh in the Arizona state rankings by Rivals.com. In his junior season on the defensive line, Latu finished with 23 tackles, one sack and an interception.
He doesn't know much about the Tigers' program but he's strongly considering an official visit to Missouri - along with ones to Oregon and Arizona State - to learn more about all three programs.
"It was out of the blue," Latu said of his Missouri offer. "I didn't find out until about two weeks ago that they offered. They called my coach and my coach talked to me during our practice. I've seen them play a couple times on television but other than that I don't know much about them."
Oregon continues to pursue Latu, who also has offers from Colorado State, Hawaii and New Mexico State. Coach Chip Kelly has been in contact and although the Sun Devils are considered a favorite, Latu is definitely keeping an eye on the Ducks, too.
"I've been talking to Chip Kelly and we've been e-mailing back and forth," Latu said. "He wants to schedule a visit but I don't know what day yet. I'm going to take a visit over there. I'm planning to just wait things out."