Cheyenne lineman commits to Utah

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 | 1:59 p.m.

Cheyenne lineman Jeremiah Tofaeono was an All-Sunset Region first-team selection on both sides of the ball this past fall in helping the Desert Shields reach the regional semifinals.

The chance to play defense in college is why he verbally committed to Utah on Tuesday night. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Tofaeono also considered Washington and UCLA. He said the Bruins contacted him for first time and offered him a scholarship Tuesday, but he picked Utah because it was the lone school that recruited him to play defense.

"Everyone sees me as an offensive guard, but to tell you the truth, I just want to play defense," he said.

Tofaeono, who took an official visit to Washington last week, said the recruiting process was full of pressure. He was relieved to make the decision.

"I am speechless. I woke up this morning feeling real good about this, that it was finally over," Tofaeono said.

Former Cheyenne coach Charles Anthony called Tofaeono the complete player.

"He has a real nasty streak in him," Anthony said. "He's just a beast to match up against."

Tofaeono is one of five Cheyenne players who should sign Feb. 4 on national signing day.

Linebacker Damien Proby gave a soft verbal commitment to Northwestern on Monday, and running back Marcus Sullivan is picking between UNLV and Utah State. Sullivan verbally committed to UNLV two months ago but has a visit scheduled with Utah State this weekend. Verbal commitments are non-binding.

Also, defensive back Khyriece Campbell and free safety Kevontae Clark have offers from Utah State with UNR also showing interest according to Anthony.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected].