Corbin Kaufusi signed with BYU out of high school as a 6-foot-8 offensive lineman and then, as many BYU signees do, left for two years on his Morman mission. Kaufusi grew two inches during the course of his sabbatical and switched to basketball upon his return, where he appeared in 70 games as a freshman and sophomore, averaging 4.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
On Friday, Cougars basketball coach Dave Rose announced his 6-foot-10 center has re-joined the football team. Kaufusi will work out with both teams over the summer, focus on football beginning in August, and return to basketball at the conclusion of BYU’s football season.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play football at BYU,” Kaufusi said in a statement. “I’m really excited about what is happening with football. I’m looking forward to being coached by my dad and learning from him and my teammates. I’m grateful for the support of the basketball coaches as I pursue this opportunity.”
The story is rare, but there is precedent. In fact, Kaufusi used to share a breakfast table with someone who forged the same path he will now follow. Corbin’s brother Bronson Kaufusi, a 6-foot-7 defensive end, played one season for BYU’s basketball team and four on the gridiron. He graduated from BYU yesterday and hopes to hear his name called during next week’s NFL draft.
“We’re excited to welcome Corbin to the football program,” BYU football coach Kalani Sitake said. “He’s a versatile athlete with great size, and we’re looking forward to seeing him develop his abilities both on the football field and the basketball court here at BYU.”
Kaufusi will play on BYU’s defensive line and figures to be a valuable member of the Cougars’ field goal block team.