Sunday, January 20, 2013
Trinity pipeline brings another to Utah
By Damon Sayles
After a productive official visit over the weekend, an offensive lineman decided to take his talents westward -- and also join a teammate.
Salesi Uhatafe (Euless, Texas/Trinity), one of the big bodies of Trinity’s respected offensive line this season, verbally committed to Utah on Sunday. A 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive lineman, Salesi chose the Utes over an offer from Arizona State and interest from Louisiana Tech, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Missouri, TCU and Washington State.
“I liked the family atmosphere and the team chemistry,” said Uhatafe, the younger stepbrother of Texas A&M freshman Polo Manukainiu. “I liked how close-knit the coaches were with the players.”
Uhatafe is the 28th overall commit for Utah. Uhatafe, additionally, will join Trinity teammate Sam Tevi in Salt Lake City next season. Tevi is a three-star defensive lineman who committed in July.
Recruited by safeties coach/recruiting coordinator Morgan Scalley, Uhatafe said Utah wants him to play tackle. He played guard for Trinity, a team that averaged more than 260 rushing yards per game. Hiva Lutui was Uhatafe’s player host during the visit. Lutui, a freshman offensive lineman, is also a Trinity graduate.
