More big news for BYU
The quality commit continues to pour in for the BYU Cougars.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Cougars landed a commitment from two-star running back Drew Phillips of Boaz, Ala., and that was followed up by the announcement from Alani Fua that he was heading to Provo.
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The 6-foot-5, 210-pound three-star weakside defensive end/tight end from Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian pledged to the Cougars over offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Ohio State, Washington, Hawaii, Oregon State and interest from UCLA.
Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said BYU was the team to beat all along, and with teammate Zac Stout already committed to the Cougars, the decision seemed to be a natural one. It was a sentiment that was echoed by Fua's father, George Fua, said.
"BYU was always one of the schools he really liked," Fua said. "He's always liked them, and everybody in the family liked them, too. His older brother, Sione, almost ended up at BYU, so we were comfortable with everything BYU had to offer.
"We're excited he's going to BYU and think it's the natural fit for him. It's going a school that will help him grow as a person, and everybody in the family is extremely proud of him."
Fua talked early on about his fondness for the Cougars.
"I like that they're a Mormon school, because I'm Mormon," he said. "I also plan on majoring in something business-related, and I know they have an elite business system. I have a lot of family there, too.
"I've actually been talking to coach Mendenhall a lot and coach Barry Lamb. They're real cool guys, and I've known coach Lamb a while since he recruits our program. I went out to their junior day and met all their coaches, and I liked them all. It's a cool group of guys."
Fua ranks as the No. 22 weakside defensive end in the nation. He's also the No. 49 player in California. As a junior, he collected 67 tackles and three sacks as a junior, and could project out as a hybrid defense end/outside linebacker in college.