Cincinnati Recruiting: Tofa Luani talks recent visit, relationship with Mike Tressel

Milford High School product Tofa Luani took a visit to the Cincinnati Bearcats home opener earlier in September. The 2024 running back and linebacker prospect has been in contact with the coaching staff for months and is a potential addition down the line.

In addition to seeing Cincinnati blowout Kennesaw State a couple weeks ago, Luani visited the Bearcats spring practice in April with his brother Toto Luani, who is a junior safety at Milford and has received interest from the program as well.

Both brothers are talented prospects that have a chance to earn an offer from the Bearcats with their senior season around the corner. During a recent interview with me, Tofa Luani talked about his trip to Cincinnati and thoughts on the environment.

"“It was a different atmosphere at Nippert Stadium. It was a good way to start out a home opener and the student section was wild. I got some love from the student section because some of them came to Milford and wanted me to come be a Bearcat. It was all good vibes being at Nippert. I enjoy those things especially being invited there. Enjoy every second of it because not many people get the same opportunities.”"

Cincinnati Recruiting: Tofa Luani talks relationship with Mike Tressel

Luani has received interest from multiple other teams as well including Akron, Miami, Ohio State, Penn State and Pittsburgh. The 6’2, 235-pound prospect has previously participated in camps at Cincinnati, Miami and You Are Athlete Football.

Bearcats defensive coordinator Mike Tressel talked with Luani and the coaching staff will likely continue to radar his recruitment going forward. Luani later discussed Tressel and if he could see himself being apart of the program in the future.

"“I do see myself being a Bearcat one day. Love the coaching staff. They show a lot of love to me and my brother. Talked to coach Tressel and him as a coach would be awesome. He pushes you everyday to get better and off the field makes sure that school is going great. They have amazing coaches, recruiting staff and players. You name it.”"

Cincinnati Recruiting: Tofa Luani talks recent visit to Bearcats home opener

The Bearcats are also looking at a number of other linebacker prospects from the 2024 recruiting class including 4-star Edwin Spillman, a pair of 4-stars from Michigan in Kari Jackson and Jeremiah Beasley and nearly a dozen others including Luani.

During his sophomore year at Milford, Luani racked up 585 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns to go with 45 tackles and 4.5 sacks. The Eagles will host Walnut Hills on Friday night. Luani explained how much the Milford coaching staff has helped him develop.

"“My goal is to get better everyday. Our coaches have a good game plan every week and we execute. We aren’t the biggest or strongest team but one thing about Milford football is we have heart and you can bet that we play all four quarters at our best. Coach Jimmy Grippa and Gus Dooros taught me a lot about playing linebacker. They have helped me a lot.”"