Running back Sesi Vailahi commits to Oklahoma State after official visit

STILLWATER, Okla. — With only a few days remaining until the National Signing Day next week, Oklahoma State football is making one last push to complete its 2023 recruiting class. The Cowboys had two key official visitors on campus this week with one making his commitment on Friday night.

Salt Lake City (Utah) West running back Sesi Vailahimade his pledge to the Pokes after receiving an offer earlier this week. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound back led the Panthers in all-purpose yards this season as a senior with 1,072 yards gained. Vailahi had just 32 carries for 240 yards and five touchdowns, but added 24 receptions for 607 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 19.1 yards per touch.

Vailahi is rated as a three-star prospect and ranks as the No. 173 running back in the class by 247Sports. He is also considered to be the No. 2 running back and No. 36 overall recruit regardless of position in Utah.

Vailahi is one of the more electric playmakers in Utah, but has had a relatively quiet recruitment process with additional offers from BYU, Idaho State, Nevada and Southern Utah.

Vailahi also made an impact on defense this season as a hybrid safety/linebacker with 48 total tackles, including four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception, 11 passes defensed, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.

Salt Lake City West finished with a 9-3 overall record, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Utah Class 6A State Football Playoffs.

During his junior season in 2021, Vailahi earned several honors, including 6A Second Team All-State, 6A Region II Co-Offensive MVP, 6A Region II Second Team as a kick returner and 6A Region II Honorable Mention as a punter returner.

He had 1,257 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns.

Oklahoma State has had recent success in recruiting the state of Utah with notables like edge rusherNathan Latu, safetyNick Session, former linebackerMason Cobband former standout running backJaylen Warren.

Vailahi is the third new commitment from a high school prospect for Oklahoma State since the early signing period in December, joining Enid (Okla.) standout receiverTykie Andrews, and Aledo (Tex.) wideout Jalen Pope.

The Cowboys signed a combined 17 high school and junior college recruits last month, but none of those were at the running back position. However, Oklahoma State did add former Michigan State running back Elijah Collins as part of its 13-man haul of incoming transfers.

Oklahoma State ranks No. 41 nationally and are eighth in the Big 12 for the 247Sports Composite Overall Team Recruiting Rankings,which takes into account not only theratings of high school and JUCO additions, but also players pulled in from the transfer portal.

Here is a complete breakdown of Oklahoma State's high school/junior college commitments in the 2023 class:

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