Corbin Kaufusi to quit BYU basketball, focus on football

Corbin Kaufusi recently completed his junior season for the BYU hoops team in what appears to be his last season on the hardwood. Kaufusi told ESPN960 host Ben Criddle that he will concentrate on football for the remainder of his BYU career.

Corbin signed to play football before his mission, but came back and started many games for the basketball team after growing several inches on his mission. As a freshman, Corbin was the primary big on a team that made it to the NCAA tournament. His playing time was limited this past season, but he was a key piece in BYU’s upset win over #1 ranked Gonzaga. His defense and late-game putback sealed the win for BYU.

The 6’9” defensive end’s professional potential seems highest in football, however. After not playing football since high school, Corbin came in this past season as a redshirt sophomore and made an impact along the defensive line. He played in all 13 games (starting in 5), and finished the year with 31 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He also led the team with 2 blocked kicks.

Corbin rejoined the team halfway through spring ball, and now will have the offseason to focus on getting his body back in football shape. With another offseason to focus solely on football, Corbin seems poised to have an even bigger impact during his junior season. With Harvey Langi and Sae Tautu graduated, Corbin will have an opportunity to be a starter and a force along BYU’s defensive line.

Kaufusi was a walk-on on the basketball team this past season, so his departure does not open up a scholarship.