BYU Football Recruit Announces Commitment At Father’s Grave
Feb 1, 2023, 10:59 AM
(Ben B. Braun, Deseret News)
PROVO, Utah – If you’re going to watch a Signing Day commitment today, watch David Latu commit to BYU football.
Latu is a 6-foot-4, 295-pound defensive lineman from Snow College. He’s a second-team NJCAA All-American after an impressive freshman campaign for the Badgers.
Snow College transfer David Latu signs with BYU football
On Wednesday, Latu made it official that he was signing with BYU. However, he didn’t have the typical hat ceremony you usually see on Signing Day. Instead, Latu announced his pledge to BYU at his late father, Sione’s graveside.
#BYU Go Cougas 💙 pic.twitter.com/J8GDasHmiR
— David Latu (@perseuslatu801) February 1, 2023
“First of all, I want to thank God for all the opportunities he has given me and the love and support people have given me,” Latu said in the video. “Thank you to my parents for being there, especially my dad for pushing me to be the very best that I can.”
Latu’s father passed away in December
Sione Latu-Lutui passed away in December at the age of 56 years old.
“Me and pops had agreed that I’ll be signing to BYU for my next four years,” Latu said.
Last weekend, Latu made an official visit to BYU, and many of the people who accompanied him on the trip were part of his 11 siblings.
Latu comes to the BYU football program with a chance to provide an immediate impact along the interior of the defensive line. Former Utah defensive line coach Sione Po’uha is the new interior lineman coach for BYU, and he notes that Latu has ideal size but plays light on his feet.
In nine games played for Snow College, he recorded 23 tackles, four of which were for a loss. He also had 1.5 sacks for the Badgers.
Latu began his prep career at Bountiful High School before moving to Bingham High. He will have three years of eligibility remaining in his collegiate career.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hoMitch’she Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU moving to the Big 12 Conference on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.