This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Former Kansas linebacker Samson Faifili plans to walk on with the Utes in 2015, he announced last week. Saturday, Faifili talked to The Tribune about his decision.
Visit at the University of Utah is going great! Solid coaching staff and amazing atmosphere! Officially my home in January! #RunninUtes #SQ
— $@M$0// (@samsonfaifili) October 20, 2014A native of Laie, Hawaii, who moved to Utah and graduated from Granger High, Faifili started two games for the Jayhawks in 2013, recording eight tackles before partially tearing his MCL and PCL and missing two months.
After deciding Kansas wasn't the right fit, he received offers from Division II schools and requests to walk on from Division I schools, but the cost of attending out of state was prohibitive. Two months ago he heard from Utah defensive line coach Ilaisa Tuiaki, and after a visit to the U. decided to pledge his commitment.
Faifili said he received a hardship waiver, and that the 6-foot, 245 linebacker will arrive at the U. in 2015 with two years to play two.
"My specialty is probably getting to the quarterback and being a run-stop guy," Faifili said.
Before Kansas, Faifili went to American River College in Sacramento, where Utah found junior running back Devontae Booker.
American River head coach Jon Osterhout said Faifili is a "tremendous linebacker" heady, explosive and a team leader.
"We were very fortunate to have him here for two years," he said.
As a freshman, Faifili started every game at both fullback and linebacker in helping lead the Beavers to an undefeated season.
He and Booker were friends at ARC, and talk frequently now, Faifili said. Asked to describe him then, he said, "Same guy. He spoke soft but carried a big stick."
When Booker planned at one point to attend West Virginia, Faifili remembers being "kind of upset" that he'd have to face him in the Big 12.
Faifili was rated as a three-star junior college recruit by Rivals.com out of American River College. He plans to study psychology and pre-law.
Here's a list of the Utah football commits the Tribune has reported on. Click for details:
2015
2016
2017
Matthew Piper
mpiper@sltrib.com
Twitter: @matthew_piper