Samuel Lateju committed to Wisconsin this week, landing the Big Ten program a linebacker with some big upside.
Lateju has only played two years of organized football but has shown plenty of promise and potential during that time.
Lateju is a 6-foot-5, 230-pound edge from the Lawrenceville School (Princeton, New Jersey). He holds offers from Boston College, Duke, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Wake Forest in addition to Wisconsin.
He is ranked the No. 27 player in New Jersey by 247Sports.
On Feb. 3 while on an unofficial visit to Wisconsin, Lateju committed.
“I couldn’t say exactly what made me commit to Wisconsin,” Lateju told USA TODAY High School Sports.
“I believe I fell in love with Wisconsin on my Junior Day (visit). The coaches were really great, the people and Madison were perfect. I fell in love with Wisconsin just as soon as I landed at the airport and I just knew that’s where I want to spend my college career.”
With great length, Lateju has a good first step. He has the ability to change direction well and is fluid in his movement.
The Junior Day visit was a success for Lateju in that he felt comfortable with the program.
“The people, the coaches, the city – it just felt different,” Lateju said.
“The coaches were welcoming, the teammates were welcoming. Wisconsin looks so beautiful and nothing felt forced.”
He said that he isn’t planning any other visits – “Just my official visit to Madison.”