Bingham linebacker Jared Afalava commits to Nebraska

Prep football » The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder decided to be a Cornhusker instead of a Washington Husky.

By Kyle Goon

| The Salt Lake Tribune
First Published Jan 03 2012 11:44 pm • Last Updated Jan 04 2012 12:00 am

Bingham senior linebacker Jared Afalava has chosen to play his college football at the University of Nebraska, he announced Tuesday night at the Semper Fi All American Bowl in Phoenix, Ariz.

Afalava, who helped anchor the Miners’ defense each of the last two years as the team went 22-3, chose the Cornhuskers over Washington. At various times, he also had interest from Utah, BYU, Colorado, Arizona State and UCLA.

At a glance

Who is Jared Afalava?

» Bingham senior linebacker who had 79 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions in the 2011 season

» Invited to participate in the Semper Fi All American Bowl in Phoenix, Ariz.

» Chose Nebraska over Washington, and also received offers from Utah, Arizona State, UCLA, Colorado and BYU at various times Join the Discussion
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The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Afalava led Bingham in tackles this past season and added two sacks and three interceptions, earning him an invitation to the Semper Fi Bowl. He confirmed to his high school coach, Dave Peck, that he had made the decision. Peck said Afalava has hopes to contribute early.

"He has great instincts — we even played him at strong safety a bit and dropped him back in coverage a lot," Peck said. "He’s a guy with huge upside. I think with Nebraska moving to the Big Ten, it’s more of a physical brand of football, and it’s similar to the style he was used to at Bingham."

Peck coached the defensive line for the Western team at the bowl, but both invitees from Utah — Afalava and Westlake’s Moana Ofahengaue - played for the East team. The West ended up beating the East in a 17-14 contest at Chase Field.

Peck said Afalava was celebrating his commitment and bowl participation with his family after the game.

Afalava was one of a few underclassmen to start for Bingham during the 2010 season, when the Miners went undefeated and were widely considered one of the best high school football teams Utah has ever produced.