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ISU lands All-American linebacker
By Bobby La Gesse
Date Posted: 2009-04-02
Iowa State football coach Paul Rhoads has landed his first All-American.
College of San Mateo (Calif.) linebacker Matt Taufoou, who earned California Community College Coaches Association All-American honors this past season, signed his letter of intent with the Cyclones Thursday night and plans to fax it to ISU on Friday.
“The coaches want to rebuild Iowa State to where it was before,†Taufoou said. “They want me to be a part of it and I want to help bring Iowa State back.â€
The Rivals.com three-star prospect decided to sign with ISU after visiting the Ames campus last weekend. Taufoou talked over his decision with his parents Thursday and is eager to join his new teammates for fall camp.
“I wish I didn’t have to leave when I did,†Taufoou said. “I would have loved to stay and start working there for the fall.â€
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound sophomore will have two seasons of eligibility. He had 81 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2008. His brother, Will, was an All-Pac-10 fullback at California.
College of San Mateo defensive coordinator Tim Tulloch said Taufoou is similar to former USC All-American linebacker Rey Maualuga because both are “energetic and emotional and have great instincts.â€
“(Taufoou) blitzes with great timing,†Tulloch said. “And can come across the field and deliver a blow.â€
Taufoou cancelled a visit with Tennessee, scheduled for this weekend, before he signed with the Cyclones. Tulloch said Tennessee defensive coordinator Monte Kiffen told him Taufoou could come in and play for them immediately.
Bobby La Gesse can be reached at (515) 663-6929, or rlagesse@amestrib.com.
By Bobby La Gesse
Date Posted: 2009-04-02
Iowa State football coach Paul Rhoads has landed his first All-American.
College of San Mateo (Calif.) linebacker Matt Taufoou, who earned California Community College Coaches Association All-American honors this past season, signed his letter of intent with the Cyclones Thursday night and plans to fax it to ISU on Friday.
“The coaches want to rebuild Iowa State to where it was before,†Taufoou said. “They want me to be a part of it and I want to help bring Iowa State back.â€
The Rivals.com three-star prospect decided to sign with ISU after visiting the Ames campus last weekend. Taufoou talked over his decision with his parents Thursday and is eager to join his new teammates for fall camp.
“I wish I didn’t have to leave when I did,†Taufoou said. “I would have loved to stay and start working there for the fall.â€
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound sophomore will have two seasons of eligibility. He had 81 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2008. His brother, Will, was an All-Pac-10 fullback at California.
College of San Mateo defensive coordinator Tim Tulloch said Taufoou is similar to former USC All-American linebacker Rey Maualuga because both are “energetic and emotional and have great instincts.â€
“(Taufoou) blitzes with great timing,†Tulloch said. “And can come across the field and deliver a blow.â€
Taufoou cancelled a visit with Tennessee, scheduled for this weekend, before he signed with the Cyclones. Tulloch said Tennessee defensive coordinator Monte Kiffen told him Taufoou could come in and play for them immediately.
Bobby La Gesse can be reached at (515) 663-6929, or rlagesse@amestrib.com.
| Comments |
| MiddleCyBacker A young man after me own heart!! Sounds like he's found a home in Ames. And no doubt, he'll make himself at home right at home in the best position of all!!! 4/3/09 |
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