BYU football recruiting: Kavika Fonua signs with the Cougars

Kavika Fonua, a talented safety prospect out of Syracuse High School, has signed his letter of intent to play for BYU. Fonua went unrated by 247sports, but was ranked a three star prospect by Scout, Rivals, and ESPN. Fonua also had a scholarship offer from Utah.

Fonua wasn't highly recruited early on, but after turning some heads with the second-highest SPARQ rating (123.3) at the Dallas NFSC combine and being named MVP of the Nike camp in Oregon, BYU extended an offer and Fonua took it. Nike ended up rating Fonua as the no. 3 safety that attended any of its camps across the nation. As evidenced by his high SPARQ rating, Fonua's athleticism and strength are above average. He has the instincts to break on a ball and the speed to put himself in good position in pass coverage. Fonua also possesses the strength and power to bring down opponents in run supports at the collegiate level. Outside of his abilities on the defensive side of the ball, Fonua's explosiveness and ability to change direction make him an excellent option for BYU as a playmaker in the return game.

Fonua has not yet decided whether he will serve an LDS mission prior to enrolling at BYU or if he will play a year for the Cougars first. I spoke with Fonua yesterday and he plans on making that decision after he speaks with defensive coordinator, Nick Howell, in the next few days. The way the depth chart looks for next season, Fonua would probably have a better chance to be a difference maker for the Cougars early on in his career if he leaves on his mission right away. Either way, when it's all said and done don't be surprised if Fonua has one of the best careers of any of the recruits in this years BYU recruiting class.

Check out Fonua's high school highlights on hudl.