The University of Utah got some outstanding news, as 3-star OL Marist Talavou committed to the Utes. Talavou is out of St John Bosco High School out of Bellflower, CA, a school that routinely churns out top level talent. And Marist fits the bill of top level talent.
COMMITTED to The University of Utah! Go Utes!!🔴⚪️ #VikasLegacy pic.twitter.com/bAEYwZKwwo
— Marist Talavou (@MaristTalavou68) June 11, 2018
Talavou is the 14th ranked interior lineman in the country. He is 6’3″ 316 lbs, so he already has the frame to slot in and seamlessly fit into the Utes O-line. Adding even more muscle when he hits their strength and conditioning program will make him that much more stout. Marist has the athleticism and versatility to play OT or OG in high school. However, his great footwork that will allow him to be rock solid on the interior line in college, if that’s where Utah thinks he’ll fit the best. This was a great pick up by the Utes.
Jason’s Take
Talavou had offers from Oklahoma, Arizona St, and Oregon, among others. For Utah to be able to get such a quality player, while simultaneously keeping him away from Pac 12 foes Arizona St and Oregon is a double win for the Utes. Factor in the vibrant Polynesian community in Salt Lake City, and it was the right choice for Marist and his family.
There are currently 9 offensive lineman (among many other positions) on NFL rosters that were a product of the Utah system. With the Utes development program, Talavou will have a chance to continue that trend. Utah had been in the Top 40 in the last few years in rushing yards/game, before slipping to 70th last year. Nabbing a solid, versatile OL like Marist Talavou will allow the Utes to control the game with the running attack, before breaking the game open through the air.
Highlights
Here is his highlight tape for Utah fans to check out. Get to know Marist Talavou. The Utes O-line just got that much better.
