4-star Texas LB target Maninoa Tufono sets decision date

After picking up another linebacker pledge last weekend, the Texas Longhorns could be in line to add a third when Honolulu (Hi.) Punahou product Maninoa Tufono makes his decision in a week:

Texas is one of five finalists for the 6’3, 225-pounder, joining LSU, USC, UCLA, and Washington.

Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando extended an offer to Tufono back in February and secured an important unofficial visit from the Hawaii product back in June. Since then, the Horns have emerged as a legitimate contender for his services.

In fact, there’s some belief that Texas leads despite the fact that Tufono’s father played at Washington — the last two 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions are both in favor of the Longhorns.

The presence of Polynesian recruiting assistant Jake Langi has certainly helped, as well as several Polynesian players now on the roster, including senior offensive guard Patrick Vahe. Adding a high-profile Hawaiian like Tufono would only help further recruiting efforts with Pacific Islanders.

From the perspective of the 2019 recruiting class, landing Tufono would give Orlando another extremely talented linebacker to join California product De’Gabriel Floyd. Over the weekend, Marcus Tillman Jr. committed to provide some longer-term upside in the group.

A consensus four-star prospect, Tufono is ranked as the No. 151 player nationally, the No. 6 inside linebacker, and the No. 3 player in Hawaii, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.