2017 National Signing Day: 10 Biggest Names to Know

10. Jay Tufele, 4-star DT (South Jordan, UT)

Utah native Jay Tufele is a highly-rated four-star defensive tackle with a lot of offers, but he’s still yet to make a decision. Tufele is a 6-foot-3 and 297 pound prospect rated 41st overall, third overall by position and first in the state of Utah, according to 247 Sports. 

Tufele was selected to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl West team this year for his high school accomplishments. He recorded 10.5 sacks and 57 total tackles in his senior season at Bingham High School.

His current top five choices are down to Utah, BYU, USC, Michigan and Ohio State. Early predictions have Tufele choosing the Utes, staying close to home. However, he’s used a lot of the month of January to enjoy his recruitment. On January 14, he visited the BYU Cougars. On January 20, he visited the USC Trojans. And on January 27, he took his final visit to Utah.

https://twitter.com/tufele123/status/813551772409085952

The Ohio State Buckeyes have made one final push at the defensive tackle as well. Urban Meyer and some of the staff visited Tufele in his home on January 26 before his official visit to Utah.

With zero commits in their current recruiting class at defensive tackle, Utah is in need of depth with seniors Lowell Lotulelei and Sam Tevi no longer in the mix. They could use his depth and early playing time could play a role as well. Both USC and Ohio State have two commits already at the defensive tackle position.

All eyes will be on Tufele on National Sign Day. Utah currently has the 44th ranked recruiting class, according to 247 Sports.