Christian Tupou (6-2, 270, 4.95), from Grant Union High School in Sacramento, Calif., suddenly received offers last week from USC and Arizona State. Those two are now in his top five along with BYU, Fresno State and Oregon State. Tupou denies a leader but says he'd probably choose Fresno State or USC if he was under pressure to decide prematurely.
"I am really feeling a lot of love from some schools now," Tupou said. "Some schools just hopped in. They mean business and are very serious. I'm thinking it over as we speak. I'm going to take advantage of all the time I have and take this thing all the way to the end. To me, the recruiting process isn't really that bad. All my coaches, family and friends are helping me out. I wish my older brothers were here to help me out too. One is at Oregon (Fenuki, senior offensive tackle) and the other's on a mission. I'm a Mormon but I'm not going on a mission.
"I can't tell you a top two or a top three really," he said. "Fresno State, Oregon State and BYU were some of the first schools to ever offer me. I have team-mates who go to Fresno State and I like Pat Hill. He's a man who doesn't want to see someone unhappy. Pat Hill will try to help you get where you want to go, even if it's not to Fresno State. He's a good person. We need more people in this world like him. Coach (Tom) Mason (linebackers) is the coach who is recruiting me.
"Oregon State is a developing program. They beat SC and won their bowl game. They have something going. Coach (Jay) Locey (tight ends/running backs) is recruiting me. He's a no-pressure type of guy. Some guys aren't like that, but I don't want to say any names. They say, 'We need to know where we are at with you.' And there are some that are like that that are with my top five schools.
"I'm not having any in-home visits this week," Tupou said. I need free time to evaluate things. I'm flying to USC Friday at noon. And I'll be flying back Sunday at noon. I don't know who my host is going to be. I'm going by myself.
"What I like about USC is that they are close to home. They probably have a lead over ASU because they were in touch with me as a junior. That gave them an edge. And my family could come down and watch me play because it's about a five hour drive to USC. They want me somewhere close and that's probably USC, Oregon State or Fresno State. But I don't care about distance and it won't be a factor.
"I've never been to the USC campus before," he said. "I have to see if the trip goes well. So far BYU has been my best trip. It was real good. The people I met there were really good people. They would just be good people to have in your life because they have good values.
"But USC just came in early last week, saw my tape and offered just like that! After the Rose Bowl, some guys left and that opened up some spots. Pete Carroll is a leader. He'll lead his team to battle. He's the one who offered me. I just said, 'Thanks. It's a great honor.' Coach (Rocky) Seto (secondary) is recruiting me. He seems like a nice family man.
"I don't know much about ASU except that Dennis Erickson is their new coach," Tupou said. "He's sent a lot of guys to the League and been to the NFL. I know he's the type who can send me to the NFL - where I want to be. They offered me when USC did. So I'm thinking about them. Coach (Jamie) Christian (running backs) is recruiting me. He's straight up-front. He won't blow any smoke.
"I also visited Cal and Nebraska. But California never offered me. I'd be serious about them if they had offered me.
"And Nebraska's DL coach (John Blake) left for North Carolina," he said. "That's why Nebraska isn't in my top five anymore - because Blake left. There is something about him that you can't put into words. He'll take your trust in one conversation. This is a guy you will want to play for. I'd consider Nebraska right now if he was there. He's a family guy, a church guy. His players are like his sons.
"I'm not leaning towards anyone. But if I had to decide under pressure, and right now… I'd say Fresno State and USC had a small advantage. All these schools want me for defensive tackle. They all say I can hang with the guys on the next level."
Tupou reports a 3.8 core GPA and a 970 SAT. "I'm already qualified. That's what all the coaches tell me."