Tanielu

Handsome Tanielu poses for a photo during his official visit to BYU

(Courtesy of Handsome Tanielu)

The Oregon State Beavers recruiting fallout from losing defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake hasn't affected any of the previous commitments, but two of the program's main targets have pledged elsewhere in the past week.

The first miss came from three-star junior college defensive back Markell Simmons, who cited Sitake as a key factor in his recruitment.

On Wednesday, the Beavers lost another key battle, as Rivals four-star junior college defensive tackle Handsome Tanielu, who was previously committed to Utah, signed with BYU over Oregon State:

Grateful to the Lord for the many opportunities. But my heart leads me to sign with BYU. #BYU #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/0M6ijT8GZi — Handsome Taufaasau-Tanielu 🇼🇸🇦🇸 (@ninetytwoblock) December 23, 2015

The 6-foot-2, 305-pound defensive lineman, out of Snow College (Ephraim, Utah), had planned to announce his college decision last week during the first day of the junior college early signing period, but waited to find out the future of the head coaching position at BYU.

When that opening was filled by Sitake, Tanielu's primary connection at Oregon State, it appeared likely he would sign with the Cougars.

With Tanielu's signing, defensive tackle Howard Houston may become a prospect to watch for the Beavers.

Oregon State has been able to hang on to all of its prior commitments, but have lost two key targets since the coaching change.

-- Andrew Nemec

anemec@oregonian.com

@AndrewNemec