Taua names two early favorites
Ainuu Taua is possibly one of the top defensive tackles in the West next recruiting cycle and two more major programs have gotten involved in his recruitment.
The 6-foot-1, 270-pound prospect from Lompoc, Calif., said Alabama and Michigan have recently reached out and he's definitely interested in hearing more from those two coaching staffs.
Advertisement
No offers yet from the Crimson Tide or Wolverines but Taua said he's hoping both programs stay in touch.
"They just said I'm one of the top recruits in 2014 for the defensive line," Taua said.
"I want to learn everything they have planned for me. I would love to go there and compete for a spot."
As things stand at this point for the 2014 prospect, UCLA and Washington have emerged as favorites.
The Bruins are close to home and he liked his experience there when he visited. With the Huskies, Lompoc teammate Lavon Coleman is committed to them and Taua has visited the campus and liked what he saw.
Plus, his brother, Vai, played for the Seattle Seahawks so Taua is familiar with the area and is learning more about the Washington program.
"UCLA and Washington are the two I like the most," Taua said.
"UCLA is close to home and on the rise. When I went down there I really liked it and the coaches treated me really well. I got along with them really well. It would be a cool place to be.
"My brother is home now getting surgery so I'm not sure if he'll be there. But I have been up to Washington and I saw both sides of it when I went there - the rainy side and the good side. I got a mixture of what it's like there most of the time. I liked it a lot there."
In total, Taua already lists offers from Arizona, Cal, Hawaii, UCLA, Utah and Washington.