Talk about unexpected commitments. This week might be Parrker Westphal Watch, but Northwestern has reportedly added a commitment from wide receiver/safety/linebacker Hamilton Anoa'i of Serra-San Mateo in California, according to the Mercury News. According to Prep2Prep, he had a great season despite being hampered by injuries:
Anoa’i led Serra to a West Catholic Athletic League co-title and the only Central Coast Section Open title in school history with a banner season on both sides of the ball. As a 6-foot-2, 225-pound receiver, he caught 26 passes for 516 yards and 10 touchdowns. In two victories against Mitty, he had a total of four touchdown catches, including three in the WCAL finale against the Monarchs.
And more:
Anoa’i battled injuries during his varsity career at Serra following an ACL injury in the league opener in 2012 against Mitty. Despite Anoa’i's stellar effort, he was never at full strength during the 2013 season.
This offer came completely out of nowhere. His only other FBS offers came from Nevada and Idaho. Anoa'i isn't listed as having Northwestern interest on any recruiting site, and most of his interest came from lower level schools. 247's Steve Wiltfong adds more, saying the offer came on Thursday.
Anoa'i is a big wide receiver/safety who, given NU's recent history, probably projects as an outside linebacker in college.
We'll get you more information as it comes, but this could potentially be bad news for NU's hopes to land Westphal. Westphal is reportedly down to NU and Vanderbilt, but the Commodores have been gaining momentum in the past two weeks. This offer could have been a reaction to his impending commitment. Then again, there's no official word, so we'll wait and see. Given that there is still one spot left in the class, Westphal could very well end up in Evanston
Anoa'i is the 14th commitment in the 2014 class. He attends the same school that former NU running back Adonis Smith did.