Kaufusi Transferred For Utah’s DL Development, ‘Culture’, Chance To Succeed At Highest Level

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former BYU defensive lineman and the newest member of the Utah football program Devin Kaufusi explained why he left the Cougars.

The former Cougar announced on Wednesday that he will be going to the University of Utah.

After the announcement, Kaufusi has received a mix of happy reactions from fans.

“It’s one thing to leave BYU, but it’s another thing to leave BYU and go to Utah,” Kaufusi said. “So, it has been stirring the pot more since committing to Utah. As for my family, I have been really close with them especially my two brothers when talking with them and going through this decision with football and in general. They thought it was the right move for me and support me. I have been grateful to friends and family showing support, of course there have been some people not as supportive but that’s how it is when it comes down to these types of scenarios.”

Pleased to announce that I have officially committed to the University of Utah. There I will further my football career and education. Thank you @CoachPowell99 @UtahCoachWhitt @SafetyPride @Utah_Football UTAH MAN AM I💯 pic.twitter.com/HjTcNwabba

— Devin Kaufusi (@devskaufusi) April 8, 2020

Kaufusi joined sports.ksl.com BYU insider Mitch Harper on the Cougar Tracks podcast to explain why he left BYU and joined Utah.

Why Kaufusi Left BYU

The Kaufusi name has been linked strongly to BYU throughout the years. He made sure to mention how much BYU has meant to him and his family.

“First and foremost, BYU has done so much for my family and has been a huge part of my life since my childhood,” stated Kaufusi. “When it comes to the relationships I have made there with some of my best friends. What this institution has done for my family. It’s kind of crazy that I would see myself a year ago, I never would think I would be where I am now.”

Now that Devin is leaving the program and joining a rival, he explained why he made the move.

“A lot of things have happened and changed, when it came to my decision was an accumulation of things but first and foremost, the main thing is football driven and how I can better my opportunities and developing into a better player and seeing myself succeed at the highest level and becoming the best football player that I know I can become. It definitely was a hard decision but one that I hope is right for me.”

pic.twitter.com/9t1otBo53z

— Devin Kaufusi (@devskaufusi) April 8, 2020

Even though Kaufusi is transferring from BYU, he still has a great relationship with head coach Kalani Sitake.

“I appreciate Kalani (Sitake) and all that he has done for me and my family. He is a great head coach, I love that guy to death. Staying in touch with him has been great,” Kaufusi said. “Which has taken a walk of faith, going away from a program that has been so well established in my family but ultimately finding out for myself that I can become that football player that I have envisioned somewhere else that would be the best opportunity.”

How Kaufusi Was Used Last Season

Kaufusi was battling injuries last season but also was being used in a couple of different roles last season, playing linebacker and on the defensive line. That played a factor in his decision to transfer.

“It definitely plays into reason,” Kaufusi said. “I have been a person who will always do what he needs to for the team. It was difficult as well trying to be a contributing player with so many moves and kind of learning on the fly and then looking back on my past two seasons there, I felt that I haven’t made much progress and evolved my identity as a football player and my personal game.”

Kaufusi played on the defensive line for the Cougars in the last two seasons. He’s appeared in 25 games for BYU. During his time on the field, Kaufusi has recorded 15 total tackles, 7 solo tackles, 1.0 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 pass breakups.

“I really just wanted to give myself an opportunity at a different program that can really help me figure that out and really be set in that way with the culture and the use of developing,” Kaufusi mentioned. “Utah, being able to see what they have done with defensive linemen in the past, this was something that peaked my interest.”

Look out for Kaufusi’s interview on the Crimson Corner where we will dive into how he fits in with the Utes.

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.