BYU basketball head coach Dave Rose announced on Friday that Corbin Kaufusi will play both football and basketball in 2016-17.
Kaufusi is a 6-foot-10, 250-pound athlete. He played center for the Cougar basketball team and will play on the defensive line for the football team.
He will work out with both teams in the summer before transitioning full-time to football for fall camp. At the end of the football season, he will rejoin the basketball team.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play football at BYU,” Kaufusi said. “I’m really excited about what’s happening with football. I’m looking forward to being coached by my dad (Steve Kaufusi) and learning from him and my teammates. I’m grateful for the support of the basketball coaches as I pursue this opportunity.”
Kaufusi originally signed a National Letter of Intent to play football for the Cougars while at Timpview High School. Following his two-year LDS mission, he joined the basketball team.
Over the past two seasons, Kaufusi has played in 70 games. He is averaging 4.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in his career.
“We’re excited for Corbin to have this opportunity,” Rose said. “We’re very supportive of this decision and will look forward to having him back with us full-time when the football season is over.”
At Timpview High School, Kaufusi helped the Thunderbirds win two state titles and was named second-team all-state as a senior.
Kaufusi will be a sophomore in eligibility on the football team, and a junior eligibility on the basketball team.
“We’re excited to welcome Corbin to the football program,” BYU football head 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 on the basketball court here at BYU.”
