Laiatu Latu is a Husky

Chris Petersen and the Washington coaching staff got a big piece of great news on the early signing day when four-star defensive end Laiatu Latu signed with Washington. Latu joins a loaded defensive line class as a much-needed pass rushing threat.

While most of the early signing day news broke weeks or months ago, Latu only made his commitment last night. The 6’5”, 237-pounder chose the Huskies over USC, who was long considered the favorite to get his signature. Latu had an impactful official visit last weekend with several committed recruits who share his Polynesian heritage:

Although Latu might not get significant playing time as a true freshman, Husky fans will be salivating at the potential of the powerful, explosive rush-end that the defense has lacked since Joe Mathis graduated (or perhaps since Hau’oli Kikaha graduated). Joe Tryon showed flashes of that type of explosion and increased his role as the 2018 season progressed. Tryon did so as a redshirt-freshman, which both highlights the need to deepen the stable of pass-rushers and the opportunity that Latu might see early in his career.

Latu joins the Huskies from Jesuit HS in Carmichael, California. He received offers from virtually every important program in the country, including Alabama, Notre Dame, Georgia, Oregon, and Florida. 247 Sports rates him as the #112 prospect in the country and the #6 weak-side defensive end. The consensus rankings place him at #133 and #6, respectively.

For more, check out Latu’s highlights: