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OREM — One of the most heralded seniors-to-be in Utah prep football has made a college decision.
Puka Nacua, the latest in a family that includes formerly heralded Division I products Kai Nacua and Samson Nacua, has committed to Southern California, he announced Monday via Twitter.
Nacua recently returned from an official visit to USC, prompting a commitment by the 4-star wide receiver to head coach Clay Helton.
“I’m truly blessed to have the offers that I have,” tweeted Nacua, who is rated the second-best wide receiver in Utah by 247 Sports. “I’m thankful for the hospitality you all have showed me while visiting each school.
“At this time, after talking to my family and praying about this decision, I have decided to commit to the University of Southern California.”
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound wideout was a driving force behind an Orem offense that won its first state title since 1994, connecting with acclaimed quarterback Cooper Legas for a state single-season record 24 touchdowns on 1,691 receiving yards.
The KSL Game Night Live 4A player of the year, Nacua totaled nine games with at least 100 receiving yards and scored at least one touchdown in each of the 12 games he played in.
Nacua is also a standout basketball player at Orem, as well as an all-state long jumper with the Tigers’ track team.
Nacua is the younger brother of Kai, who played at BYU and is currently with the Baltimore Ravens, and Samson, who plays wide receiver at Utah. The younger Nacua chose USC over offers from the Cougars, Utes, UCLA, Nebraska and Cal, among others.
“Thank you … to my siblings …. always helping me compete and get better every day and the example they have been to me,” Nacua wrote on Twitter.
