He wowed everyone that saw him this past couple of years. Thomas Toki dominated in the trenches and that powerful “Slap” and “Thud” we heard every time he attacked opposing linemen told us a sack or big tackle for loss was coming next. Toki is a beast and amazing hand fighter and every offensive linemen that plays against him knows it. He has offers from almost the entire Pac 12 and beyond but tonight the Tongan Nightmare from Juanita HS in Kirkland, Washington made a decision. And it means a lot to one Pac 12 school!
“I committed to WSU today. Mainly because I want to play for Coach Joe Salave’a. He really knows what he is doing,” said Toki. “Also my Cousin Finau is there and that is going to be nice!”
Toki, who si 6’1″ and about 289 pounds, is an uncanny talent. Once his film came out from his 10th grade year and he hit the camps this past Spring it was on. Every Coach that saw this young man wanted to offer him on the spot. Most of them did. Thomas has been paying a lot of attention to his grades. They are far from perfect but improving to the point he expects to make it. And with the help of Academic Coach Eric Jackson he is right on track. Finishing strong on the academic front was the reason he handled this decision tonight.
“I just wanted to get the recruiting stuff out of the way so I can focus on school only,” said Toki.
This early decision is going to help him do that. UCLA was on the inside track according to the man child. But the recent firing of his recruiting Coach Steve Broussard sort of ended that. He is focused on playing for Coach Joe who is a master technician and has quite a history in preparing kids for the NFL. Toki wants to play early and truly there is no reason he should not. He is all about working and getting the job done. It would be wise for any of you 2015 guys to look at this smart kids example.
“The academic standards are getting much harder to qualify for,” said Toki. “They are taking things to a whole different level.”
Read more about what Thomas is talking about and Coach Jackson right here. Cutting back on Combines, Camps, and “Hype” events is wise at this point. Put more time and effort into Academics and working with your college to make sure you make it.
WSU landed a great kid in 4 Star Thomas Toki. If this sticks through to signing day of 2015 the Cougars are landing a serious man in the middle who will be a force. Period.
Catch our Interview from the Northwest Elite Football Camp form June where he was a camp MVP.
Happy Holidays to everyone and Thomas Toki must have been wearing a Santa hat tonight!