Tai close to making decision

Sam Tai is taking an unofficial visit to UCLA this weekend and then within a week or so could make a commitment to either the Bruins or Arkansas, his two favorites.

"It's getting closer and closer," Tai said. "I'm going to take an unofficial to UCLA this weekend. I'm going to watch the game and everything and sit down with my parents and talk it all over and have a decision soon. It's pretty much between those two teams right now."

Tai, a 6-foot-4, 234-pound defensive end from Las Vegas (Nev.) Liberty, has the longer relationship with the Razorbacks, who have been recruiting him for a few years and he went to Arkansas last weekend on an official visit. Game day atmospheres are big for Tai and he said he enjoyed himself for the Vanderbilt matchup.

"They've been recruiting me since I was about a sophomore," Tai said of Arkansas. "I went up there for camp and they've been interested in me, talking to me and everything.

"I've been up there and it's a great place and the game day atmosphere is great and the program is going in a good direction. (Defensive line) coach (Steve) Caldwell is a good coach and we've developed a good relationship."

UCLA is making a strong push as well. Tai, a two-star prospect by Rivals.com, was out for the Bruins' summer camp but was told they don't offer defensive linemen until the coaching staff can see a game.

After sending an assistant out recently, UCLA jumped on board and now Tai is visiting Westwood to see if it could work out.

Colorado, Colorado State, Fresno State, Idaho, San Diego State, UNLV and Wyoming have also offered but Tai said his recruitment is pretty much narrowed down to Arkansas and UCLA.

"I haven't gotten the game day atmosphere yet," Tai said of UCLA. "I'd like to have the feel of the game day atmosphere there before I make my decision. I was at Arkansas this past weekend. I just want to experience the atmosphere. That's something I'll be looking for.

"They've shown interest during the spring. I went out there for spring practice. I've been in contact with them since then. They didn't put an offer on the table. I went out there for their camp and had a good showing. The coaches said they don't offer d-linemen until they see them play in a game so they had a coach out two weeks ago and there was some good feedback and they offered me."