On either side of him sat his mother, Isatu, and older brother Hassan, lending support for Abu, who was making official his commitment to play football for the University of Minnesota next season.

Tarawallie, sturdily built at 6-3 and 280 pounds, is considered the top defensive line prospect from the Class of 2025 in Minnesota, a blend of speed, explosiveness and well-above-average intellect. Playing for Providence Academy, which has a cooperative agreement with Heritage, Tarawallie started getting collegiate attention as a sophomore, with recruiters intrigued by the potential that comes with his size and a 4.8-second 40-yard dash, quickness that in high school often left offensive linemen lurching at nothing.