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Oregon got a much needed commitment at a position of need on Sunday night as Fotu Leiato from Steilacoom, Washington verbally committed to the Ducks. The news was confirmed by his high school, which posted the following tweet online:
CONGRATS FOTU T LEIATO II - Committed to #Oregon @TJCotterill @jlieb24 @adamgorney @BrandonHuffman @Prehmmr247 pic.twitter.com/9H0HUhk3iM
— Steilacoom Football (@SteilacoomFB) January 26, 2015
The tweet contained a statement from Leiato that he would not being dong media interviews. Leiato had this to say about Oregon:
"I have committed to continue my education and play football at the University of Oregon. 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."
Leiato is a player who came onto the national recruiting scene late but saw his star rise swiftly. In addition to Oregon, he had offers from Washington State, Oklahoma, Michigan State, and UCLA, among others. Listed at 6'0, 200 lbs by 247Sports, Leiato is a consensus 3-star recruit but has the profile of a classic under-the-radar player who could blossom into a star at the college level.
The Tacoma News Tribune recently profiled Leiato and how he went from a 0-star recruit to having the most viral HUDL video on the internet. Leiato is a humble kid who hardly uses social media but loves to play football. About his attitude on the field, Leiato had this to say:
"I like intensity. A lot. One-hundred percent. Full speed. That's all I know...I just go out there 100 percent, full speed. Whoever gets the ball, I try to get them."
Leiato plays very physical and fills a key position of need for Oregon at inside linebacker. The linebackers have probably been the Ducks' weakest position group the last couple of seasons and Leiato could bring a much needed physicality and intensity to the group in the coming years.
His highlight video is "must-watch" TV for any fan of the Ducks as he blows up opposing players with a speed and physicality that is unmatched by anyone else on the field. You can watch it below.