Tonga is MWC bound

One of the top defensive lineman in the West region this year, Matangi Tonga, has ended the recruiting process and committed last night to BYU. Tonga was scheduled to visit Oregon this coming weekend but decided he was ready to make his decision and chose the Cougars.

Tonga, 6-1, 265 pounds from San Mateo (Calif.) Aragon had trip dates to Oregon each of the last two weekends but for various circumstances, was never able to make it out to Eugene.

"Last week they wouldn't let me on the flight because all I had was my school ID and they said that wasn't good enough," Tonga said. "I called the Oregon coaches and told them what was going on and they just said I could come this weekend. That was my plan but the more I thought about it, the more I realized BYU was the best fit for me.

"The coaches from BYU came over for a home visit last night and that's when I told them I was ready to commit. It was funny, everyone was jumping up and down and hugging each other. I've really been sold on BYU since my visit there. I learned so much about the program and because it's the church school, I know I'll be comfortable with the players and coaches on the staff.

"Most likely I'll go to BYU for a year and then leave for my mission. I'm definitely going on a mission, it's just a matter of when I'll take it. BYU never has a problem with that and that was another thing I liked about them."

Tonga could play end or tackle for the Cougars and has the size, speed and aggressiveness to play early in his college careeer.