BYU lands second 2014 commit of the day

PROVO — Chances are if you have the last name ‘Kaufusi’, you’re a pretty darn good football player. Few names have seen more success on the gridiron at both BYU and Utah through the years, so it’s not surprising that another one is on the way.

BYU received a commitment from Isaiah Kaufusi, who plays outside linebacker for Brighton High School. Isaiah is the son of former Ute Jeff Kaufusi and is the nephew of BYU defensive line coach Steve Kaufusi.

While he’s committed to sign with BYU come 2014, Isiah grew up wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“I was a diehard Ute fan growing up,” said Isaiah. “I’d always dress up like a Ute football player for Halloween, but I became a fan of BYU recently.”

Isaiah hadn’t received much interest until attending the All-Poly camp and then the BYU camp over the past two weeks.

“I felt I did okay at the All-Poly camp, but it was at the BYU camp when things really clicked for me,” said Isaiah. “I learned so much from the coaches there and really worked well with them. I learned how to come of the edge faster and a bunch of other stuff that will make me a better football player.”

Another thing that will make him a better football player is gaining weight. Currently Isaiah weighs in at only 6-foot-2.5 and 175 pounds, but if his father is any indication, the increased weight will come.

“My dad was as skinny as I was growing up, so I’m going to be working on that,” said Isaiah.

Isaiah graduates in 2014 and will leave for a planned LDS mission the following December. Whether he plays a year before leaving remains to be worked out.

“I’m just so excited right now to have this opportunity,” said Isaiah. “I had no idea BYU would offer me and when they did it just blew me away. I love BYU because of the environment and I have so much family up there. I can’t wait to play for BYU.”