Some surprises on signing day

MURRAY — National Letter of Intent signing day started early and drew national attention as dozens of local players made their college choices official.

Seven players from Cottonwood and six players from Timpview headlined the day.

Timpview's Xavier Su'a-Filo surprised everyone by choosing UCLA in a live press conference with ESPN around 12:30 p.m. He was flanked by teammates and surrounded by several hundred students who just wanted to show their support to the six players signing scholarship letters.

"I want to thank all of the coaches who recruited me," he said reaching under the table to pull out the powder blue hat he'd purchased on his way to the press conference, "and I think I'm going to continue my football career as a UCLA Bruin."

The room erupted with cheers while Su'a-Filo, who was the 4A MVP, continued to be interviewed by ESPN announcers.

"I decided last night before I was going to bed," he said after the celebration. "But I wanted to sleep on it and think about it. Then just this morning, I felt reassured."

Su'a-Filo's told his father, Ifi, this morning about 8:30.

"It's going to be a challenge for him," said Ifi Su'a-Filo. "They're a program that's rebuilding. For me, I've always thought that if you're going to leave the state of Utah, leave for something better. I'm not sure they're where BYU and Utah are right now. But it's his decision and we support him."

Su'a-Filo said it's the rebuilding, in part, that helped convince him to become a Bruin.

"Their offensive line coach is legendary, and coach Rick Neuheisel has a good plan for the future. When I was there, I talked with the boys in the program and they are really hungry. They want to do well, and I want to be a part of it ... I know it will be hard. I'm used to winning."

Five other Timpview seniors signed commitment paper work including Jason Whittingham, Utah; Tui Crichton, BYU, Levi T'eo, Navy; Craig Bills, BYU; Travis Van Leeuwen, Utah State.

Earlier in the day, Cottonwood had seven players sign Letters of Intent with colleges.

John Martinez signed with USC; Isi Sofele and Keni Kaufusi signed with Cal; Alo Moli signed with Wyoming; Dalton Snook signed with University of New Mexico Highlands; Percy Palau, formerly Taumoelau, signed with Utah and Asi Hosea signed with Washington State.