SoCal OL makes the call

One of the western region's most sought after lineman has made his decision and much to the chagrin of Pac 10 schools Isaac Luatua (6-2, 299, 5.0) from La Mirada, Calif., has decided to go east to attend school and play his college football.

"I called Coach Saban (Nick Saban)this morning and told him I'm all Alabama," Luatua said. "I want to play for Coach Saban.

"He's a winner, tough, hardnosed, preaches toughness, and discipline," Luatua said. "Coach Saban, Coach McElwain (offensive coordinator Jim McElwain) and Coach Pendry (offensive line coach Joe Pendry) are guys that I will fight for, sell out every day to make them proud and show them how fortunate and grateful I am for this opportunity. I also understand that getting a degree from Alabama will help me in life after football.

"There just isn't another place like it and it's a perfect fit," Luatua said. "I don't care about depth charts, etc. I'm going to Alabama and for the tradition, fan support, and the academics were all the determining factor in my decision.

"I'm going to give everything I got to the University of Alabama and to the state of Alabama," Luatua said. "I have two simple goals, win National Championships and get a degree."

The Crimson lands Luatua over the likes of Arkansas, Boston College, Colorado State, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Syracuse, Tennessee, UCLA, Washington State, and Wyoming.

The Crimson Tide get a player who was first-team all-league and first-team all-CIF his junior season as a defensive lineman. He also made the Long Beach Telegram's prestigious Dream Team as an offensive lineman. Luatua racked up 51 tackles, one pass deflect and one fumble recovery.

The scouting report on Luatua is he could end up playing on either side of the ball as a defensive tackle and on offense as a guard or center.