Tuioti-Mariner set for visit No. 1

Corona (Calif.) offensive lineman Max Tuioti-Mariner tore his ACL way back in the Spring and will miss his entire senior season. Despite the injury, it hasn't slowed down the colleges pursuing him one bit and the talented lineman will take his first official visit this weekend.

Tuioti-Mariner, 6-4, 300 pounds is one of the nation's top guard prospects. He shows up very well on film and had a dominant showing at the SoCal NIKE Camp. He's arguably the most physical lineman in the West this year and assuming he comes back 100% from his knee injury, he projects as a very good college prospect.

One of the biggest games anywhere in the country this coming weekend will be out West when Pac 10 rivals Oregon and Cal will go at it. One thing we've noticed repeatedly over the last few years is how many of the same players the Ducks and Bears recruit and that's the case again this year.

Oregon will be hosting several of the top players in the West region this weekend and several, including Tuioti-Mariner, also like the Bears.

"I heard this is a huge weekend for Oregon," Corona coach John Brandom said. "They're bringing in a lot of kids and it should be a pretty electric atmosphere. Max really likes both schools a lot so it should be a good experience for him to be able to see them both up close and personal."

After Oregon, Tuioti-Mariner has three other visits locked in and is very close to finalizing his final trip as well.

"He's going to Tennessee (Oct. 5)," Brandom said. "Colorado will be (Nov. 2) and Cal is on (Nov. 9). His last trip will be to Arizona or Oregon State and he's still trying to figure out which school to visit. If he goes to Arizona, it will be on (Oct. 19) and I'm not sure about the date for Oregon State.

"I think right now, his plan is to take all five of his trips before making a decision. He's not playing this year so he can take his time, go on his visits and stay for the entire weekend on all of them and I know he's looking forward to that."