Monday, January 19, 1998
St. Louis star Taulealea commits to Colorado
By Pat Bigold
Star-BulletinSt. Louis defensive tackle Sam Taulealea said last night he has verbally committed to the University of Colorado. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound Taulealea, a second team Star-Bulletin All-State selection, turned down offers from Utah, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and Wyoming.
He was reported last week to have verbally committed to Utah but Taulealea said that was erroneous.
''I like Utah and UNLV but I have family up in Colorado,'' said Taulealea. ''My mom's sister, Vae Samuela, lives in Inglewood, about an hour from Denver, and I have cousins in Colorado Springs, also about an hour away.
"Family is the most important consideration."
Taulealea, who played weak-side tackle at St. Louis, said he likes the Colorado defensive philosophy.
''Some defenses are made to help linebackers out but in Colorado the tackles have opportunities to make plays,'' he said.
But Taulealea, who bench-presses 405 pounds and runs the 40 in 5.01 seconds, said his desire to major in business also figured into the equation.
''My education is important to me, and IBM is stationed out there, so I hope to get an internship," he said.
The Denver Post also reported Taulealea's commitment today, noting that recruiting services rate him the best of three high school players who gave their word to the Buffaloes yesterday.