Fotu Leiato, a three-star linebacker recruit from Steilacoom, Washington, has committed to Oregon. The news was confirmed via Steilacoom coach William Garrow’s Twitter account.
CONGRATS FOTU T LEIATO II – Committed to #Oregon @TJCotterill @jlieb24 @adamgorney @BrandonHuffman @Prehmmr247 pic.twitter.com/9H0HUhk3iM
— Steilacoom Football (@SteilacoomFB) January 26, 2015
First reported by Oregon 247 Sports, Leiato becomes the 20th commitment Oregon has landed for its 2015 recruiting class.
The 6-foot, 200-pound linebacker began his senior season as a zero-star recruit and his best offer had come from Wyoming. However, his highlight tape on Hudl – a site often used by high school athletes to allure recruiters – of him physically dominating his opponents went viral. Soon enough, he had offers from Oregon, UCLA and Oklahoma, among others.
But on Sunday, it was confirmed that Leiato will play college football at Oregon.
“I have committed to continue my education and play football at the University of Oregon,” Leiato said in a statement via the Steilacoom football Twitter account. “I want to thank all of the colleges and coaches that have recruited me over the past months for believing in me and giving me a chance. Each of the schools I considered had great things, but Oregon felt like the right place for me. I cannot wait to get to Eugene and be an Oregon Duck!”
On Jan. 23, Oregon 247 Sports reported that Mark Helfrich would make an in-home visit with Leiato. Leiato is set to make his first official visit next weekend, according to scout.com.
Steilacoom football also tweeted out this photo Sunday night:
The Whole Leiato Family Celebrated with #Oregon Coaches Helfrich, Pellum, Frost, & Chinander. #GoDucks #SteillyPride pic.twitter.com/1rRBgqYJWC
— Steilacoom Football (@SteilacoomFB) January 26, 2015
Follow Justin Wise on Twitter @JustinFWise