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The Tribune has confirmed that linebacker Harvey Langi has considered the possibility of transferring to BYU when he returns from his mission in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday.
The Deseret News first reported Monday afternoon that Langi would visit with BYU's coaching staff on Wednesday, quoting Langi as saying, "I believe BYU will offer me ways to grow as a person that may not happen at Utah or anywhere else."
As of late Monday afternoon, Langi had not yet officially announced any intention to transfer to Utah coaches, the Tribune has learned. If he chooses to transfer to BYU without first obtaining a release, Langi would likely have to sit out a year while paying his way through school. If he does receive his release, he would be eligible for financial aid but likely remain ineligible to play. Utah is still interested in retaining Langi.
The Deseret News reports that mission president Mark Cusick made calls to BYU's coaching staff at Langi's request. The Tribune confirmed that Cusick also contacted Utah coaches, requesting Langi be released from his scholarship.
Langi's mother, Kalesita, was unaware of the report until contacted by The Tribune on Monday and declined immediate comment. Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham is vacationing in Hawaii and did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Attempts to reach Cusick were not immediately successful.
Langi's parents are still interested in sending their son to Utah, a source told The Tribune. One potential concern for the family, the source said, is the long-term security of the football coaching staff: Some have buzzed about Kyle Whittingham being on the hot seat after two five-win seasons, and that has pricked Langi's ears.
The one-time 5A MVP running back from Bingham enrolled with the Utes in 2011, making limited appearances out of the backfield as a freshman. As his mission in Tampa wound down this spring, the Utes announced they would move the 6-foot-2, 250-pound Langi to defensive end when he returned.
— Kyle Goon
Twitter: @kylegoon