Tyler Manoa, a four-star lineman from St. Francis, announced Saturday that he will play college football at UCLA.
The all-Bay Area News Group first-team player, who helped lead St. Francis to its first state title in December, chose the Bruins over Utah.
St. Francis linebacker Junior Fehoko also announced Saturday that he has committed to San Jose State.
Manoa called his decision a big relief and difficult, given that he has a lot of family in Utah, but he said UCLA was the best fit for him.
“I had to go with my heart,” Manoa said. “That’s at UCLA.”
UCLA coach Chip Kelly attended St. Francis’ basketball game Friday night, as did SJSU coach Brent Brennan, a St. Francis alum, and some of his assistants.
Manoa joins a recruiting class in Westwood that includes Serra lineman Atonio Mafi, the West Catholic Athletic League’s player of the year.
“That’s my guy,” Manoa said. “We had a lot of good battles the last four years. He was happy. We’ll definitely be side by side.”
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A’s go to bat for undefeated championship high school football team Manoa was really happy for Fehoko, adding, “We’ve been playing together since third grade. That’s the best fit for him and his family.”
The next signing period for football begins Wednesday.
Truly Blessed to announce that I am COMMITTED to San Jose State University #SpartanUp #ForMyMama pic.twitter.com/69eQShnae6 — Junior Fehoko (@juniorfehoko42) February 3, 2018