Recruiting season is picking up. High school football seasons are over and recruits are making their commitments known across the country. BYU has a good looking class so far this season but there are still a number of big names with offers that the BYU coaching staff would love to see in Provo. Over the next few weeks, Lawless Republic will take a look at some of the prospects with a BYU offer that have not yet committed. We’ll offer as much insight as we can and make predictions as to what school they will choose. Today, we take a look at West MesquiteKapolei High School’s offensive lineman Viliamu Auwae.
Star Ratings
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Scout.com: 3-star prospect
Rivals.com: 2-star prospect
247Sports.com: 2-star prospect
ESPN.com: Unrated
Viliamu Auwae is an offensive lineman prospect out of Kapolei High School in Kapolei, HI. In my humble opinion, Auwae is the most important remaining uncommitted prospect that isn’t named Charles West. Auwae comes in at 6’5″, 265-275 pounds (depending on what site you look at) and has the potential to grow into a big time player at BYU. He’s athletic, he gets off the line and into defenders quickly. He’s got the frame and build to add more weight and could be a contributor on the offensive line as early as next season.
When you watch his highlights you can see how he uses his athleticism to create holes for backs. He is the kind of lineman that excels in Robert Anae’s offense. Once he gets into a college weight room with the BYU strength and conditioning coach (one day they’ll name on of those, right?) and puts on a few pounds, he reminds me of what De’Ondre Wesley was for BYU the last couple of years. A strong, athletic lineman that moves his feet. He’s not going to fall back and simply try to block a defensive end, he’s going to get into a defensive end and drill them into the ground. Auwae would be a big get.
Where Does BYU Stand
BYU is in a good spot with Auwae, but the work is far from over. Auwae had an impressive showing at the All-Poly Camp over the summer and took an unofficial visit to BYU when he got offered a scholarship. He will be taking an official visit to Provo at the end of January as well. Two trips to Provo from the islands? That’s a great sign.
I am confident in BYU’s position, but it wouldn’t take much to convince me that Auwae signs with Texas Tech in a few weeks. He’s got offers from Washington State, Utah State and Texas Tech among other schools. Fellow Hawaiian Breiden Fehoko is already on campus at Texas Tech and Auwae recently took an official visit to Lubbock. I feel like he could be convinced to join the Red Raiders. His official visit with the other recruits before signing day will be a big deal in getting Auwae to sign on February 4.
Prediction
If I would have made this prediction a month ago, I would have been 99% sure that Auwae is a Cougar. After his visit to Texas Tech, I’m feeling about 51% sure. The fact that BYU will get to be the last official visit before signing day is kind of like having an ace in the hole for Geoff Martzen and his staff. A good experience in Provo will be the icing on the cake.
My prediction come signing day: BYU.
Be sure to follow Auwae on Twitter @AmuMumuX. Cross your fingers, BYU fans. This would be a big get in a class that needs offensive lineman that can come and play in 2015.