TE Keleki Latu commits to Cal!

The California Golden Bears continued their hot streak with a player of importance on their big boards when three-star tight end Keleki Latu committed to Marques Tuiasosopo, Justin Wilcox and Co. this weekend.

Latu is one of the top tight end prospects and a top-101 player in the state of California for the class of 2021.

The dual-sport athlete penned his commitment on social media, after thanking his mom, writing:

“Thank you to my football and rugby coaches — I couldn’t have become the athlete I am today without you all! ... I am proud to say I’m a BEAR. 100% committed to the University of California Berkeley!”

Latu is 6’6, 205 and was a major nearby target, hailing from Jesuit High School in Carmichael, just east of Sacramento.

Tight ends coach Marques Tuiasosopo stated his pleasure via social media following Latu’s decision.

The relationships with the coaches were apparently one of the many reasons that Latu pulled the trigger on his commitment, stating to 247Sports that there wasn’t just one reason he committed, there were several.

“I’ve always felt comfortable with the staff on my visits, and it checks off all the boxes of everything I’m looking for in a school and program,” said Latu. “I called coach Wilcox first and he was very excited. He even told me I made his day. I then called coach Tui and then coach (Bill) Musgrave.”

Latu had offers from multiple schools, including Pac-12 rivals Arizona State, Oregon and USC as well as a big offer from Nebraska but his location as well as his chance to get onto Cal’s campus ahead of the coronavirus shutdown had all the other schools playing catch-up.

“My mom was very proud and excited for my future ahead,” said Latu. ”Cal is the perfect distance from home. I have enough freedom to experience being an adult but at the same time, when I’m missing my family, it’s only a short drive back to visit.”

He’s the No. 59-ranked tight end prospect for the class and is the 101st-best player in the state of California on the 247Sports Composite rankings, and the younger brother to current Washington Huskies defensive end Laiatu Latu.

Make no mistake about it — Kelaki says if he matches up with his brother down the road in a one-on-one battle, the future Bear is taking it. When asked who would win:

“You already know, you’re talking to him right now,” he said.

Welcome to Berkeley, Kelaki! Happy you’re a Bear!