Talitu’i Pututau must have liked what he saw on his official visit to BYU this weekend. The Class of 2023 defensive end announced his commitment yesterday (December 11, 2022), as reported on Twitter:
100% COMMITTED @BYUfootball @PantherWest #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/yzW7c4vAAu
— Talitu’i Pututau (@tui_pututau) December 11, 2022
Pututau is a 6-foot-5 255-pound defensive end that preps at West High School (Salt Lake City, Utah), where as a senior he had six tackles (four solo), two tackles for loss, two sacks, and a quarterback hurry (MaxPreps). He also played offensive tackle for the Panthers.
As a junior Pulutau had 13 tackles (four solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, one pass defended, and one forced fumble. His best season statistically was his sophomore year when he recorded three interceptions (with two returned for touchdowns), three passes defended 25 tackles (11 solo), eight tackles for loss, and four quarterback hurries.
Pututau is rated 3-stars by 247Sports (85), who rate him the no. 17 overall prospect from the state of Utah for the Class of 2023. He holds scholarship offers from Arizona State, BYU, Colorado, Hawaii, Utah State, and Weber State.
Pututau’s brothers Fua and Taniela and cousin Tennessee Pututau all play football for the University of Utah.
I caught up with Pututau to ask him about his recruiting.
BYU Insider: Why did you choose BYU?
Pututau: BYU was my first offer they’ve been showing me love ever since. I really enjoyed watching games at LES because of the atmosphere. But my main reason was because BYU puts our Heavenly Father first in everything they do. After high school I will be serving an LDS mission and BYU is one of those few schools with RM experience. I feel the coaches and staff are different from any other school, they care about your life outside of football and academics.
BYU Insider: What other schools were showing you love in the recruiting process?
Pututau: Hawaii, Utah State, ASU, and Colorado
BYU Insider: What are some of your favorites?
Pututau: I enjoy watching Anime, One Piece is my favorite. I like to listen to R&B and rpa and The Book of Mormon is my favorite book.
BYU Insider: Who is a current player that you seek to emulate on the field?
Pututau: JJ Watt (DE, Arizona Cardinals)
He is the 14th commitment for the BYU Class of 2023, and is the fifth highest rated commit for BYU in that class.
