Salt Lake City (Utah) East lineman Vaha Vainuku has been
under the radar for most of the spring. However, the junior was one of a couple
of lineman that used the Badger Elite Lineman Challenge in Las Vegas to make a
name for himself.
It appears that Cougars have had their eyes on the talented
prospect for some time now.
“I just got offered by Washington State today,” said
Vainuku. “They came down last year during the football season, during basketball
season and again this spring. We have been talking a lot on the phone and Coach
(Jody) Sears offered me.”
Vainuku is excited to have his first offer in hand and to
not have to worry about whether or not it would ever come.
“It is a relief,” said Vainuku. “It has been hard to just
wait and try and fish for offers.”
Vainuku doesn't plan on making his decision soon, instead
he will use the time to gather information on the schools he is considering and
hopefully take a trip to Pullman.
“I have had a lot of people tell me to wait,” said Vainuku.
“I plan on committing near signing day. I would like to get up to Washington
State before I make a decision as well.”
The coaching staff at Washington State could see Vainuku
playing on either side of the ball, and asked the junior for his preference.
“They could see me at offensive or defensive line,” said
Vainuku. “They asked me what position I would rather play, I told them that I
prefer defense.”
Vainuku has been hearing from some other Pac-12 programs
as well as in-state schools and could see some of them offering in the very near
future.
“I have been hearing from Utah and Utah State a lot, UCLA
as well,” said Vainuku. “All of those teams want to see me at their camp and
then they said they will offer.”
Vainuku isn't sure of his summer camp plans just yet, but
is staying active throughout the spring.
“I lift after school with the football team, then run for
the basketball team and finally I go out and work on the shot put with the track
team,” said Vainuku. “I am planning to attend the all-poly camp in Utah and then
some team camps.”
Jake Worthen is a West Recruiting Analyst for Scout.com.
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