Nation Ford tight end has plenty to consider

Fort Mill (S.C.) Nation Ford tight end Hank Tuipulotu committed to BYU in July of last year, and the Cougar legacy never thought he'd be considering other programs.

But with a coaching change at both BYU and South Carolina -- with new interest from the Gamecocks' new staff -- Tuipulotu decided to give the in-state program a chance.

“I was pretty set with BYU and with their coaching change kind of threw for me for a loop,” he said. “South Carolina really hopped on the opportunity and they have been in my ear a lot, and I can't help but listen to it. They are a really good option close to home, so my family can come see me whenever they want to, which is a huge plus.”

South Carolina running backs coach Bobby Bentley was by Tuipulotu's high school on Thursday and the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder followed up with an official visit to South Carolina -- the first time he's ever been to the school -- over the weekend.

“The coaching staff really has this program going in the right direction, they look like they have everything under control,” Tuipulotu said. “Coach (Will) Muschamp has done a great job of choosing the right coaches. All of the facilities are insane. They are still building new facilities, which is awesome. The school is great. They've got the No. 1 Business school, a top honors program. It’s impressive.”

While South Carolina's previous staff didn't recruit him hard, Bentley and the Gamecocks have made the state's leading receiver in catches a priority.

“Coach Bentley has been in my ear a lot," Tuipulotu said. "He knows I'm big on family. He has stressed how close South Carolina is compared to having to fly four hours to get to BYU. He has talked about family and football. They told me I would be a 'B-back' which is a flex tight end and try to create mismatches against slower linebackers or smaller cornerbacks.”

Tuipulotu's father and uncle played at BYU, so he has significant ties to the program.

“I am going on my BYU visit this next weekend, and then I will be able to compare the two and see where I'm the best fit,” he says.

Tuipulotu is a devout follower of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, per The (Rock Hill) Herald, and will take a two-year Mormon mission before enrolling at the school of his choice.

“I would sign, but I would technically be in the class of 2018," he says. "I would go on my mission and then come back two years later.”