Defensive Lineman Tui Talia Commits to Oregon

Shortly after news of Dominique Johnson's commitment to Oregon, Craig Loper of Scout.com reported that Tui Talia of Diablo Valley Community College had switched his commitment from the Washington Huskies to the Oregon Ducks.

Have confirmed 4* Diablo Valley JUCO DE Tui Talia has decommitted from #UW and committed to #Oregon. He becomes the #Ducks' 5th 2014 commit.

— Craig Loper II (@cLoperII) June 6, 2013

Talia had given a verbal commitment to Steve Sarkisian in March but was apparently persuaded to switch his commitment to Oregon. There had been rumors that Talia favored the Ducks and today's news confirmed those reports. Talia also reported offers from Nebraska, South Florida, Arkansas, Baylor, Missouri, and many others according to recruiting services.

At 6'5, 270 lbs Talia has the ability to play all over Oregon's line and fills a position of need as the Ducks will lose three of their primary defensive lineman to graduation after the 2013 season. With three years to play two, Talia will be eligible to enroll at Oregon next Spring and have the opportunity to play right away.

At the time he committed to Washington, his junior college coach, Mike Darr, had this to say about Talia:

"He's in the mold of Diablo Valley College defensive linemen: great motor," Darr said. "The difference between him and the others is he's got that ‘play on Sunday' size."

...

"He loves the weight room. He loves the work," Darr said, adding that he expects more offers to begin rolling in for Talia because of his rare combination of size and athletic ability.

Talia is Oregon's fifth commitment in the 2014 class.