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Oklahoma State recruiting: Family relents, gives Ofa Hautau blessing to sign with Cowboys

Hautau's family wanted the defensive tackle to stay close to home in Utah. But Hautau got his wish and will play football for Oklahoma State.

BY ANTHONY SLATER | Published: February 6, 2013 Comment on this article

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And the feeling was mutual.

But as Wednesday's Signing Day approached, which saw coach Mike Gundy announce Hautau's name among OSU's 23-player recruiting class, his now-solidified college future remained in question.

That's because, as many can attest, family matters have a way of complicating an issue.

“My family wanted me to stay somewhere around (Utah),” Hautau said by phone Wednesday. “Somewhere in-state.”

Hautau has always been close with his family. He has a sister, four brothers, a pair of loving parents and plenty of other relatives around his small community in Utah.

And many would attend his games the last couple years. Hautau starred at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, anchoring a defensive front that included his brother Siali.

They'd watch the powerful duo dominate during games and then meet with them afterward.

So when Hautau initially came with the news, that he wanted to got to a college three states and 16 hours away, it was tough to handle.

But through conversation and time, they came to accept it.

“I was talking to them for a while,” Hautau said. “And eventually they told me to do what I felt like I should do.”

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Oklahoma State recruiting: Family relents, gives Ofa Hautau blessing to sign with Cowboys

Hautau's family wanted the defensive tackle to stay close to home in Utah. But Hautau got his wish and will play football for Oklahoma State.

Multimedia

Videoview all videos

Photoview all 108 photos

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