Tacoma, WA (Bethel) 4-star prospect, Will Latu made his commitment to Washington last week, but it was finally made public today.
The 6-2, 235 lb. linebacker/running back said he had a reason for wanting to release the news today, “It’s Father’s Day”, he said,
“My dad is excited and happy that I chose to stay home.”
Latu started out being recruited by Washington strictly for defense (LB), but as time went on, his prowess on offense began to show on video as well. So the Huskies got Keith Bhonapha involved, and made a plan for how they could use Latu in the running game.
“Initially they wanted me for defense”, Latu explained, “But they talked about how they have running packages for me, like when it’s fourth-and-one and they need a big running back to just run through the hole.
“Me and KB started talking about a month ago and began to build a bond — so it’s good to have that bond on offense and also with the defense.”
The “bond on defense” he’s referring to is the relationship he established early on with Bob Gregory, “We have a strong bond”, Latu said, “I know now we can build on that trust and do all I can do at Washington.”
Latu said he’s equally built a good relationship with head coach, Jimmy Lake, “I have a lot of confidence in Coach Lake”.
Just two weeks ago most crystal balls pointed to Utah for Latu, but he said that was kind of a red herring, “I just threw that out there so people wouldn’t know where I was going”, he laughed.
On the field, though, he’s quick (4.5) and on defense, he hits like a ton of bricks but has that sideline-to-sideline speed. He has the frame to add more weight and shows solid pursuit and intuitiveness for offenses that are coming his way.
“I think I have good legs”, he said of his strengths on the field, “But also I feel I can show a lot of leadership. I want to make sure that those around me on the right path and that we’re on the same page, going down the same path — to become a better person every year. I just want to be better than last year and get bigger stronger and faster — with every level it’s different…so I have to just keeping working hard on my craft.”
Latu had thought about making an earlier decision back in the fall, but if he had it would have been to a childhood favorite, USC.
In fact, the Trojans were still in the hunt up until they filled the same spot Latu was being recruited to play, so Latu and the Trojans parted ways, but he said later, “I’ve always known where I wanted to go — now I’m ready to be a Dawg.”
