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6-foot-10 BYU center Corbin Kaufusi to play football in 2016

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

BYU's defensive line will look a lot taller this season, as 6-foot-10 basketball player Corbin Kaufusi will suit up for the football team in the fall.

Kaufusi, a center for the Cougars' basketball program, will work out with both teams in the summer, and transition to football for the 2016 season. The sophomore will be coached on the defensive line by his father Steve.

"It's always been a dream of mine to play football at BYU," Corbin said in a statement Friday. "I'm really excited about what is happening with football. I'm looking forward to being coached by my dad and learning from him and my teammates. I'm grateful for the support of the basketball coaches as I pursue this opportunity."

The decision to play for the football program shouldn't come as too much of a shock, as Kaufusi originally signed a national letter of intent to play the sport at BYU while in high school. Following a two-year mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kaufusi joined the Cougars' basketball program.

During his time at Timpview High School, Kaufusi was named second-team all-state for football, helping lead the program to consecutive state titles.

On the hardcourt for BYU, the Utah native averaged 5.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season.

Excelling in both sports runs in the family, as Corbin's older brother Bronson is currently preparing for the NFL draft after a successful college career in football and basketball.

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