Tuioti-Mariner close to decision
Jacob Tuioti-Mariner was asked point-blank Saturday night if UCLA was still the leader in his recruitment.
Bruins' fans should be happy with his response.
Advertisement
"Yeah," Tuioti-Mariner said.
"Washington just offered me so they're second but UCLA is up there."
The three-star defensive end from Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco had a phenomenal season and helped lead his team to the state bowl championship win over De La Salle on Saturday night.
A commitment could be very close especially since Tuioti-Mariner's mother recently talked with coach Jim Mora. Everything seems to be pointing in UCLA's direction and the 6-foot-2, 248-pound standout said he really wants to end his recruitment.
The Bruins are going to be tough to beat.
"I'm probably going to commit (this) week," Tuioti-Mariner said. "My brother has been telling me to wait but I just really want to make my commitment.
"It's close to home and the coaches really care for me. My mom just talked to coach Mora a couple days ago and he was explaining how much they need me. I know they're good coaches."
Arizona, Boise State, Colorado, Fresno State, Hawaii, UCLA, Washington and Wisconsin have offered.
Saturday night was for celebration instead of contemplation as Bosco defeated De La Salle and staked its claim as the No. 1 team in the country. Tuioti-Mariner and the Bosco defense played a tremendous game and he credits the coaches for getting them ready.
"It's just the coaching," Tuioti-Mariner said. "Our coaches are great. They know how to coach us up and everything so going with that offense was tough. We know how to adjust because of our coaching."