SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Another product of the Sacramento area has joined the NFL. Laiatu Latu was drafted 15th overall to the Indianapolis Colts.
Latu, a Sacramento native, is officially NFL bound. He was drafted out of UCLA, where he shined as one of the best Defensive Ends in the nation last year.
He was originally a Washington Huskies football commit, but he was forced to medically retire after two seasons due to a neck injury in 2020. He transferred to UCLA. After being medically cleared, he had 23.5 sacks in two seasons.
Before that, he shined on the Jesuit High School football team in Carmichael.
His former coaches were in the gym at Jesuit High watching the draft, ecstatic to hear his name called.
However, long before Latu was a first round draft pick, he was just like any other local kid trying to make a name for himself at Jesuit High School.
"It's very moving. As an educator, we're very fortunate to see these young men grow up and see them become the person they want to be. And Latu's career profession just happens to be one in the public eye. I'm so thrilled for him and his family. He worked really hard to get here," said Jesuit Head Football Coach Marlon Blanton.
Blanton said his heart is filled with joy to see Latu where he is now.
"I think of Latu as a warrior on the field, just a baller and playing football with the best of him, and off the field, a loving, caring, gentle, playful human being... he's a professional about what he needs to get done on a daily basis," said Blanton.
Laiatu Latu: Jesuit High alum drafted 15th overall to Indianapolis Colts
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