Sleeper is emerging in the west
It always makes it tough on recruit when they transfer out of a school to another one. It is tougher still when you make the transfer over the summer. It is easy to get lost in the shuffle.
Linebacker/fullback Etu Taufa (6-1, 240, 4.7) from Lawndale (Calif.) Leuzinger played at Gardena (Calif.) Serra a year ago and now he is making his presence felt on the Leuzinger program.
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"Etu came in her from Serra and immediately became a team leader," Lawndale assistant coach Ralph Oliver said. "He is setting the tone for all the other players, including UCLA bound, Uona Kavienga.
"Etu is challenging Uona in the weight room and on the practice field. They are making each other better football players."
Though he was hard to track down; Oregon State, Washington, Washington State and San Jose State are already showing interest in Taufa.
According to Oliver, it isn't surprising that Oregon State is showing interest. Taufa is first cousins with the Moala brothers, all three who played at Oregon State.
"Nigel Burton of Oregon State said they are happy we moved Etu to linebacker," Oliver said. "The Beavers think he's a linebacker or fullback on the D-I level because of his size and speed.
"Etu has that competitive spirit that compels him to do his best on and off the field. He's taking extra classes at night school to get ahead of the game.
"Etu is striving to achieve the same kind of success that Uona has received," Oliver said. "UCLA is one of Etu's dream schools and he would like to be recruited by them.
"Because of Etu's improved grades and his overall on the field play, he has improved his recruiting stock," Oliver said. "We expect him to get offers once his senior season arrives.
"Etu is a very motivated player who will do whatever the coaches ask of him. The process is just beginning for him."