ASU Football: LB Viliami Latu Earning Playing Time

Latu chose Todd Graham’s Sun Devils over Oregon State, Arizona and San Diego State. He had offers from a total of 13 schools.

According to ASU coaches, it will be difficult to keep Viliami and brother Alani Latu (also a linebacker) off the field in 2013. Both players have shown significant progress during the preseason and are expected to make an impact on the ASU defense in the coming season. Viliami, a true freshman, is competing at the Sam linebacker spot, where he’s pushing veteran Steffon Martin for starting reps.

By the end of his prep career, Viliami Latu was one of the most prominent linebackers in the state of California and widely considered one of the top-20 linebacker prospects in the nation. A prototype inside linebacker, he combines outstanding skills against the run with the ability to drop back in pass coverage.

The Latu brothers entered the recruiting process hoping to land at a school where they could play together on the same defense. The opportunity to compete in the Pac-12 conference was another important aspect of their decision to sign with Arizona State.

Viliami and Alani are cousins of former ASU defensive lineman Paul Unga.