Liberty High's Sam Tai.
Photo by Tom Lemming
defensive end
Sam Tai made a verbal commitment Wednesday to play at UCLA in a ceremony at the school, according to Nevadapreps.com.
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Tai chose the Bruins over Arkansas. He also had scholarship offers from Colorado, Fresno State, Idaho, Nevada and UNLV. Tai plans to graduate from Liberty in January and will enroll at UCLA in time to participate in spring practices.
"It was very close," Tai told Nevadapreps.com of the decision between his final two schools. "My official visit to (Arkansas) was amazing. When I told the coaches, it was hard for them to take it because we'd built up a relationship."
Tai missed the first four games this season with a hairline fracture in his left ankle. He has recorded 16 tackles and four sacks since returning to the lineup.
"(Tai) has brought a lot of national attention to Liberty with scouts and people," Liberty coach Rich Muraco told Nevadapreps.com. "I hope it helps out some of the other kids who normally wouldn't get a look."
David Schoen works at the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and is a former Associate Sports Editor and Turn2 columnist for the Oakland (Calif.) Tribune. You can reach him at ByDavid1@aol.com.
