Beavs land TE Wily-Matagi

The new Oregon State staff has not even been able to hit the recruiting trail for the Beavers, yet they locked up their second commitment in two days when tight end Tuli Wily-Matagi committed to play for Coach Andersen. Originally committed to Utah, the 6-foot-3, 230 pound athlete had also considered Washington State and Colorado before shutting things down with Oregon State on Sunday.

"I spoke to Coach Chad (Kauha'aha'a) on Sunday while I was in Washington with my Mom and step-Dad," Wily-Matagi said. "I wanted to talk to my family. I hadn't heard from Utah since Coach Christiansen and Coach Kalani (Sitake) left (around Christmas). Coach Chad has been the one recruiting me. Coach Kalani told me to do what was best for me and my family, and after thinking about it, Oregon State is the best place for me."

He said that he's felt pretty lost since Christensen's departure from Utah since he didn't know what was going on with his scholarship offer or the program.

Wily-Matagi has more than most prospects his age. He has a one year old daughter who also fits into the equation. With family living in Seattle, the proximity to family was also very important for him in the decision.

"I have a young family, my daughter turns one next week," he said. "With my parents being a four and a half hour drive away they will be able to come and help. They can also come and see me play which is important. Oregon State has also talked a lot about the support that they will be able to offer me and my family (with this move)."

Offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin has already spoken to Wily-Matagi about where they see him fitting. He will get his first look at tight end for the Beavers, but he is versatile enough to play on the defensive line as well.

"I've done my own research on Oregon State and I know they have boys from Hawai'i on the team," he said. "I also played a year with Lamone (Williams) and we talked before he left to go back to school."

Wily-Matagi chose Oregon State over offers from Utah, Colorado, Washington State and Hawai'i.