No. 90b: Corbin Kaufusi – Defensive End – 2016-2018
Cobrin Rankings
Impact C+
Corbin Kaufusi won’t be remembered as a star twenty five years from now, but those of us who followed BYU Football in 2018 will remember how he shut down heisman contender Khalil Tate, held the edge against Wisconsin star running back Jonathan Taylor and contained mobile quarterback Cole McDonald from being his normal self. More than anything though, he impacted the team and was a true warrior and team captain.
Statistics D+
Kaufusi’s stats don’t jump off the page. He did lead the team in 2018 with 8.5 sacks, but it was normally one, maybe two sacks per game. In 2018 his statsheet was perhaps held back a bit because of his contain defense that kept quarterbacks in the pocket. With zero interceptions or fumble recoveries it is tough to give him a good grade. Again, this grade is compared to other players in the Top 100 not actual stats, otherwise all players would be A’s and B’s.
He did have a catch on a fake field goal against Utah though…
Memorable Moments A-
Corbin Kaufusi didn’t have the moments of Kyle Van Noy, but there is one thing that sticks out that I can’t think of another player having. Playing against Utah it was later found out that Corbin was already in need of three season ending injuries but decided to play anyways because the injuries could not be worsened. This was a guy who had every excuse in the world to not play against the Utes and to prepare for the NFL draft but instead decided to fight in pain for his team. That alone earned him a spot in the Top 100.
Also, you can’t forget the game winning putback shot he had against No. 1 ranked Gonzaga in basketball!