Bronson Kaufusi the 'perfect BYU player,' coach says


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PROVO — BYU's starting defensive end and senior captain Bronson Kaufusi has come a long way since taking his first snap as a Cougar.

"My first game, I remember I didn't think I was going to play at all. I remember they called me to go out there and I was like 'Whoa, OK' and I remember going out there and the first play just getting manhandled," said Kaufusi. "And you know that play helps remind me where I have come from. But I loved it, I got up and wanted to go again. And from that point forward I was hungry."

His progress, on and off the field, has became so prominent that head football coach Bronco Mendenhall called him the perfect BYU football player.

"I have had great players that have struggled with the standards here, and I have had guys that have lived the standards but have struggled on the field," Said Mendenhall. "And Bronson is great in all circumstances. He is the perfect BYU player."

Kaufusi, one of the most humble players on the team, bounced the compliment off toward former BYU football players that he admired growing up and who had a major influence on what type of player and person he is today.

"That's a huge compliment for me. Growing up here and coming to the games, idolizing guys like Jan Jorgensen. To me, he is the ideal BYU football player," said Kaufusi. "Guys like Bryan Kehl, John Beck, Jonny Harline, all those guys. So for me, I want to keep being that guy and keep working hard, being gritty, putting in the extra time. All those things add up and help me to be a better BYU football player."

BYU players celebrate with Bronson Kaufusi (90) of BYU after he intercepted a pass against Connecticut during NCAA football in Provo,, Oct. 2, 2015. (Photo: Ravell Call, Deseret News
BYU players celebrate with Bronson Kaufusi (90) of BYU after he intercepted a pass against Connecticut during NCAA football in Provo,, Oct. 2, 2015. (Photo: Ravell Call, Deseret News

Kaufusi had one of his best games of his career last Saturday against Missouri recording 10 tackles, three for a loss. He also forced two fumbles.

"That was one of the best games that I have seen a defensive player play. I mean he was all over the place and played so hard and tried with everything he had to try and help win that game," said Mendenhall. "He was making plays down field and up field and sideways. He is so versatile. In the meantime he is just encouraging his teammates and so optimistic and saying 'We have this' and 'We are going to win.' You know, he is everything that I would want in a BYU football player."

Kaufusi is going to miss all the coaches, camaraderie and fans as he prepares for his final home game this Saturday against Fresno Stae.

"It means a lot, time just flies by," Kaufusi said. "Just trying to soak up every opportunity and go out there and play in front of the home crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium."

What has been his favorite experience about BYU football?

"I love running out of that tunnel and sitting in the locker room before the game," Kaufusi Said. "Hearing everyone you know cheering. ... It's just awesome, an awesome moment being there."

Bronson was asked how he improves his game and what motivates him to get better every week. He responded as you might expect his childhood heroes Jorgensen, Kehl, Beck, and Harline would have.

"That sting that you get from losing has always driven me to be better."

Listen to audio from Monday's post-practice media availability from Mendenhall, Graham Rowley, and Kaufusi in the "Cougar Cuts" section below.


Tanner is a student at Brigham Young University studying Business Management. He is from the great northwest of Portland, Oregon. He hopes to find a profession that combines his passion of sports and business management.

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