"Coach Ikaika Malloe knows our program at East very well since he's recruited us and the area for a while," Tunuufi told 247Sports. "Over the years he has just developed a great relationship with us and I feel that I'd be a great fit for his coaching style. He's been very approachable and personable throughout the recruiting process and I feel a high comfort level with him.
"Talking to some of the guys up there, they tell me the program is family based and that's a great fit for me. It's a real brotherhood up there. I played in high school with Taki Taimani and Jordan Lolohea, and everything they've always said about Washington is great, especially about coach Malloe. I can't wait to get up there."
Tunuufi gives Malloe another defensive tackle commit to pair with Honolulu (Hawaii) Kamehameha three-star Kuao Peihopa in the current group. The Huskies didn't sign any defensive linemen in the 2020 class, although local 247Sports Composite five-star outside linebacker Sav'ell Smalls could qualify as a rush end.
Over a dozen programs had offered Tunuufi during the process and the likes of Arizona State, Michigan and Utah were among the strong contenders. But Washington, which joined the chase with a scholarship offer during the May evaluation period last year, always looked like the program to beat.
While things remain uncertain on when recruits will be able to take visits again, Tunuufi has a clear road map he intends to follow this year.
"I'm looking forward to signing early and definitely enrolling early, so everything is on track and I'm excited to be a Husky," Tunuufi said.
Comments
"Talking to some of the guys up there, they tell me the program is family based and that's a great fit for me. It's a real brotherhood up there. I played in high school with Taki Taimani and Jordan Lolohea, and everything they've always said about Washington is great, especially about coach Malloe. I can't wait to get up there."
Tunuufi gives Malloe another defensive tackle commit to pair with Honolulu (Hawaii) Kamehameha three-star Kuao Peihopa in the current group. The Huskies didn't sign any defensive linemen in the 2020 class, although local 247Sports Composite five-star outside linebacker Sav'ell Smalls could qualify as a rush end.
Over a dozen programs had offered Tunuufi during the process and the likes of Arizona State, Michigan and Utah were among the strong contenders. But Washington, which joined the chase with a scholarship offer during the May evaluation period last year, always looked like the program to beat.
While things remain uncertain on when recruits will be able to take visits again, Tunuufi has a clear road map he intends to follow this year.
"I'm looking forward to signing early and definitely enrolling early, so everything is on track and I'm excited to be a Husky," Tunuufi said.
H-Back IMO
Strong Vea HS film flashbacks here. Goddamn, I say goddamn.