Utah DT grabs another offer

Even though the Pac-10 has the reputation for being a pass-happy league, being able to stop the run is still a priority for every team in the conference. Getting a top-notch defensive tackle goes a long way in getting that accomplished, and that's why Latu Heimuli is on the short list of many programs. That includes Oregon State for the tough 6-foot-3, 296-pound DT from Highland High School in Salt Lake City as the Beavers decided this week to take things up a notch with his recruitment.

"Coach (Joe) Seumalo has been recruiting me and I talked to him on Monday night for about a half-hour and he said that they've offered me," Heimuli said. "Oregon State is one of the schools I'm really interested in so that was pretty nice. I was supposed to go down there for their camp last weekend but I couldn't do it because of some family stuff. But I went to their campus last year for the Washington game and it was pretty fun. I like the stadium and I like the town and like how everybody is into it there."

With their offer, Oregon State has jumped into a recruiting race that continues to get hotter for Heimuli.

"I've also been hearing from the in-state schools, Arizona, Arizona State, Washington, Washington state, Florida, Colorado, and some others," Heimuli said. "I've gotten offers from most of them. I'm pretty much open right now. I'm looking at the coaching staffs and the tradition of the teams. I'm saving my visits for the fall after the season."

Heimuli has the reputation for being a run-stopper, but also has the quickness to get to the quarterback. Already possessing plenty of strength at the high school level, he's working at keeping things up and staying active this summer.

"I'm just lifting, doing drills, and doing some basketball too," Heimuli said. "I'm trying to get stronger and improving my lateral movement so I'm able to change direction faster."