The University of Utah gained its third commitment for the 2025 class with the signing of Nela Tupou.
The 6-foot-4 athlete end from Folsom, CA currently holds offers from Utah, BYU, and San Diego State. Tupou was recruited by Utah defensive ends coach Lewis Powell. While it’s easy to assume he’ll be a defensive end because that’s the position Powell coaches, it’s important to remember that Powell is the main recruiter at Utah for Polynesian athletes.
Tupou made his commitment known on social media, late Tuesday night:
What Utah Is Getting
At this point in time, it’s yet to be determined where Tupou will line up. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, a lot will be dependent on how he grows into his frame over the next 1-2 years.
As a tight end at the collegiate level, Tupou projects to be a potent possession receiver and elite blocker. As a defensive lineman, he’s tough to move on the line and he shows jaw-dropping change-of-direction for his size. He’s good enough to stay at tight end, but his film screams that he’s another under-the-radar Polynesian prospect that Utah will let pack on the weight, as he maintains his athleticism.
What This Means For The Class
Tupou is the third commitment for the 2025 class. He joins quarterbacks Shaker Reisig and Wyatt Becker.