Minnesota bulks up offensive line with addition of former USC commit

The Minnesota Golden Gophers have had a productive January, first luring a Clemson defensive-tackle to play his final grad-transfer season in Minneapolis, and now cashing in on a commitment from a big three-star offensive lineman out of Arizona who de-committed from USC after the Trojans wavered on their offer.

“I’m really excited about my decision,” Saia Mapakaitolo told Gopher Illustrated, a 247 Sports team page. “Everything just felt right with them and I can’t wait to get out there. I really connected well with the coaching staff, especially coach Callahan.

“He reached out to me right after I de-committed from USC and we’ve been able to build a really strong relationship. He’s a great coach but more then that, I feel like he’s a great man and someone I’m really comfortable with and someone I can trust will help develop me on and off the field.”

I can confirm the #Gophers have received a commitment from 2021 Arizona offensive lineman and former USC Trojans commit Saia Mapakaitolo (@curlyheadtsaia).

Big get for Minnesota's offensive line room here in January. @GregBiggins has the story: https://t.co/iM9a335EGW pic.twitter.com/NXPUkhWyxR

— Ryan Burns (@RyanBurnsMN) January 14, 2021

Mapakaitolo told 247 he connected well with the coaching staff and is excited to board the boat up in Minneapolis. He posted commitment graphic at his own Twitter account as well.

https://twitter.com/curlyheadtsaia/status/1349823743984451589?s=20

The Gophers finished the 2020 season 3-4 overall and could used the size and depth Mapakaitolo brings to the program. 

Mark Schipper

Mark Schipper is a reporter, sportswriter, and aspiring novelist living in Chicago, Illinois.