Louisiana Safety Israel Mukuamu Names OSU in Final Four Schools

OSU has survived the cut from 9 schools to 4 for Louisiana safety Israel Mukuamu. The three-star prospect announced his final four schools on Monday which included Florida State, OSU, South Carolina and Indiana.

Mukuamu, a Parkway High School recruit, holds nearly 20 offers from the likes of Florida, Ole Miss, Purdue and others. The big-bodied, 6-4 safety is set to make his final decision on July 24 in a commitment ceremony at his old school in South Carolina.

“When I went up there,” Mukuamu said of his recent visit to OSU, “Coach Gundy sat me in his office and told me he that he thinks I’m the guy for the program and that no matter what they’re going to keep a spot for me. They’re just waiting on me. Coach Hammerschmidt actually compares me to the safety there now, Tre Flowers. He said I could potentially come in early, play early and be the next him because he’s looking for another tall DB like him to play that strong safety position.”

Mukuamu says he’s looking for a place that features a sports medicine program that fits him, but more importantly, he’s looking for the right fit as a program.

“A coaching staff and football team that’s really family-based,” said Mukuamu. “It’s all about family to them. Education and a place I can play early and win championships.”

After a late offer and surge in his recruitment, Florida State is the presumed favorite in his recruitment, especially after making consecutive visits to Tallahassee in mid-June. We’ll see if safeties coach Dan Hammerschmidt has some tricks up his sleeve to even the game before he makes his final decision.