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Three-star names top four

Three-star defensive tackle Kirifi Taula (6-4, 275, 4.9) from Anaheim (Calif.) Servite sure passes the look test and one look of him in action, he passes the ability test, too. He is very quick off the ball and gets to a ball carrier in a hurry. He currently holds 11 D-I offers and Servite head coach Troy Thomas has the beat on why.
"I think Kirifi is very athletic for a big man," Thomas said. "He's been playing for a longtime so he has a good knowledge of the game. He also has outstanding instincts.
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"We have played him at fullback and tight end because he has good hands, as well as on the defensive front," Thomas said. "He's what you call a football player."
Taula has offers on the table from Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon State, UCLA, Washington, New Mexico, San Diego State, Utah, San Jose State, Nebraska and Wake Forest.
The talented defensive lineman already has a short list.
"My favorites are UCLA, Oregon State, Arizona and Washington," Taula said. "I like UCLA because they are a top Pac 10 team and they are in California. UCLA is close to home and it's in a nice neighborhood. They also have really good academics.
"I also like the way (UCLA defensive line) Coach Todd Howard teaches football," Taula said. "I feel I can learn a lot from him.
"Oregon State has good coaches," Taula said. "Coach Joe Seumalo has been recruiting me very hard and I feel I'll get early playing time.
"With Arizona, (defensive line) Coach Mike Tuiasosopo has been showing me a lot of love," Taula said. "He showed me the depth chart and I will have a really good chance at starting early in my career.
"Washington is an up and coming team and they have a lot of good coaches," Taula said. "(Defensive coordinator) Nick Holt is recruiting me really hard and I feel I can help them return to being a powerhouse."
Is there one school that stands above the rest?
"If UCLA puts their offer on paper, I'll take an unofficial visit," Taula said. "There will be a very good that I would commit.
There is another team that is on the verge of offering Taula.
"Notre Dame told me that I will be getting a scholarship after they see my transcripts."
Taula earned first-team all-league for his junior season performance.
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