BYU football recruiting: Uriah Leiataua signs with Cougars over Stanford

In a surprise move today, Uriah Leiataua signed his letter of intent to play football at BYU. Leiataua had previously committed to play for Stanford but changed his mind after an official visit with the Cougars over the weekend. Leiataua is listed by 247 sports composite as a three-star recruit out of Compton, California. The 6-3, 232 pound recruit is listed as the 48th ranked strong side defensive end in the country and the 104 overall out of the state of California.

Leiataua was signed with the Cougars after receiving offers from Stanford, Washington State, Wisconsin, Colorado, Colorado State, UC Davis, UCLA, USC, Utah, and Yale. He also received interest from schools such as Arizona, Arizona State, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington.

Coming out of Dominguez High School in Compton, Leiataua will graduate this year and plans on serving an LDS mission before joining the Cougars in 2016. Depending on his size when he gets back, he could play defensive end or outside linebacker for the cougars. Either way he could immediately compete for playing time or learn the system for a year before taking over for the eight linebackers that would be seniors when he returns. With some speed and a nose for the ball, he could be a difference maker at either position. Not only will this make him valuable in the Mendenhall system, his continued pursuit of the ball carrier will help in the rush defense.

After reviewing his highlights, it is easy to see that the Cougars recruited a gem. Take a look for yourself.