Puyallup Star Lineman Getting Closer To College Choice

PUYALLUP, WA —Puyallup High School senior-to-be Dave Iuli is ranked as one of the best two-way lineman in the nation, and schools from all over the country are hoping he will join their program.

On Monday, Oregon Live reported that the 6-foot-4, 322-pounder announced his list of nine finalists. They are: California, LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC and Washington.

Actually, Iuli went a step further, indicating he already had chosen four finalists, and would reveal the fifth this weekend. He said he planed to make his verbal commitment in the middle of the month.

"I'm still deciding on my top five," Iuli said. "I know, for sure, that USC, Oregon and Oklahoma ... and Washington are in. I've got to figure out one more."

In June, Oregon Live had reported that Iuli did not intend to make a college decision until December. But this week, Iuli said that he not only wants to verbally commit in the coming weeks, but that he's planning to enroll at his chosen school as early as possible.

"I know my spot is saved, but at the same time, I want to get it out of the way and focus on my senior year," Iuli said. "I'm graduating early and arriving on campus in January. When you've got that commitment going, they know for sure where you're at."

The player ranking and recruiting service 247Sports has rated Iuli as a 4-star recruit. The service ranks him as the No. 10 interior offensive lineman in the country and No. 6 player in Washington. A composite of all ranking services has Iuli as the No. 9 interior offensive lineman (No. 194 overall) in the nation and the No. 3 player in the state.

Though Iuli is ranked as an offensive guard, he told Oregon Live that coaches have said they could seem him playing as an offensive tackle or defensive lineman.

"I'm being recruited hard at guard, but some coaches think they could build me up and have some defensive reps too," Iuli said. "I love playing both, but I lean offense because I can throw guys around."

Brandon Huffman, 247Sports' national recruiting coordinator, said Iuli has the ability to play guard or tackle. Huffman also said Iuli projects as a pro.

"Good athlete with mobility, versatility to play insider or outside," Huffman wrote. "Uses strength to open holes, gets out front and paves the way when pulling and can pick up blitzers and adept in pass protection. Somewhat of a tweener and had some injury concerns. Projects as multi-year Power 5 starter and projects as a third-day (NFL) pick.

Huffman also projected that Iuli would commit to Oregon. Other experts also believe Oregon will be Iuli's choice, though a few still think Oklahoma has a chance to land Iuli.