As the dead period is coming to an end, 3-star TE Loa Kaufusi verbally committed to play for Stanford. Kaufusi is the 19th commit for this impressive 2016 class. It is so impressive that other Pac-12 recruiters are saying Stanford is without a doubt the top class in the Pac-12. Kaufusi is a rare player in that he can play both sides of the ball at tight end and defensive end. On sites such as ESPN Recruiting Nation, 247sports, and Rivals, it seems like Kaufusi will come in as a tight end. But don’t bat an eye if Kaufusi comes into spring training as a defensive end because Stanford has had many tight end turned defensive ends i.e. Luke Kaumatule and Eric Cotton.
Back in December DC Lance Anderson came to Kaufusi’s house and for an in home visit. This was right after Kaufusi led his high school, East high school (Salt Lake City, UT), to a state championship. When Anderson was visiting, Kaufusi committed to Stanford, but he didn’t announce it to the world. He wanted to make sure he got into Stanford before he announced his decision. Kaufusi also had offers from Utah, Utah State (his uncles alma mater), and BYU (his dads alma mater).
On tape, Kaufusi has some serious power and I for one would not want to be on the receiving end of his down field block. You can see the amount of force he puts in his blocks and how far back the defensive ends, outside linebackers, or defensive backs end up after they’ve encountered Kaufusi. His blocking is a great asset because it sets the edge and springs his running back for a 5+ yard gain. His high school team looks like it runs the power run game so he will be used to power-I packages and a smash mouth offensive game plan. Another skill Kaufusi has to offer is his catching ability. In his highlight reel, most of the passes were thrown poorly and Kaufusi made good plays on the ball. After he catches the ball, his size and strength makes him a hard target to bring down. There was one catch that he broke five tackles and went in for a score. Kaufusi seems to be a double threat on offense with his blocking and catching abilities. With Austin Hooper leaving, Eric Cotton moving to the defensive line, and incoming freshman Kaden Smith tearing his ACL, Kaufusi will have to mature quickly and come up big his freshman year.
Check out Kaufusi's highlights courtesy of Hudl:
