Tuesday, January 12, 1999
Neuheisel’s switch
By Pat Bigold
leaves Tipoti hanging
Star-BulletinThe sudden resignation of Rick Neuheisel from Colorado to take the head coaching job at Washington has left a number of recruits in the lurch.
For McKinley's 6-foot-6, 320-pound tackle Francisco Tipoti, one of 18 players who had already verbally committed to Colorado, it's a particularly confusing time.
Tipoti, who also took a trip to Washington but later said he wasn't interested because he was in Neuheisel's fold, is hoping his options are still open.
The frustrating thing is that he hasn't heard from the Huskies or the Buffaloes lately.
''They're leaving me hanging right now," said Tipoti. ''There's no communication factor."
Tipoti said the Washington athletic director and the academic supervisor both contacted him after the firing of Jim Lambright, but there has been no call since Neuheisel became Lambright's $1.5 million replacement.
Compounding Tipoti's confusion is Oregon State, whose campus he was due to visit. The Beavers called and cancelled his trip after Mike Riley left to succeed June Jones as head coach of the San Diego Chargers.
Recently fired Seattle Seahawks head coach Dennis Erickson will be announced today as the new Beavers head coach. How that will affect Tipoti remains to be seen.
Oregon and Washington State are his other considerations.
Joe Siofele of St. Louis, who was the Star-Bulletin's all-state defensive player of the year, said he had visited the Colorado campus and Neuheisel had made a home visit.
Asked how he felt about Neuheisel's departure, Siofele said, ''No comment."
Besides Colorado, Siofele has already visited Washington, Arizona and Northwestern. He is due to visit Nebraska next weekend.
Kahuku head coach Siuaki Livai Sr. said he held his son, all-state offensive lineman Siuaki Livai Jr., back from a visit to Colorado two weeks ago because he said he sensed something was going to happen.
Livai is also considering Oregon State, Washington State, Utah and Brigham Young.
