BYU football: Cougars nab commitment from East High DL Meti Taliauli

SALT LAKE CITY — With six seniors on its defensive line graduating after this coming season, BYU is very much in the market for immediate help at that position.

With that in mind, it offered East High School's Meti Taliauli a chance to play football with the Cougars.

Taliauli describes himself as a lifelong BYU fan and committed to BYU coaches immediately upon receiving his official offer.

"BYU is where I've always wanted to play, so the decision was easy," said the 6-foot-2, 305-pound prospect. "BYU has been my favorite team since I was kid, so it's exciting to be able to play for them."

BYU was Taliauli's first offer, although he was receiving increasing interest from schools such as Boise State and Utah. Instead of playing out the process, he decided to commit when his No. 1 choice offered.

Taliaulii is LDS and has plans to serve a mission after playing one season for the Cougars. He'll compete immediately for a spot at nose tackle and is well-suited for the spot considering his athletic makeup.

Taliauli has been to several BYU recruiting functions and was anxiously awaiting an offer.

"It was just such a relief and so exciting when they offered," he said.

Taliauli plans to enroll this coming winter semester.

Email: bgurney@desnews.com Twitter: @BrandonCGurney