Just a few months ago, playing football for a Division I school was nothing more than a dream for Cottonwood defensive tackle Keni Kaufusi.

But thanks to a lot of extra hard work in the classroom, Kaufusi had several Division I offers to choose from this spring, and this weekend he decided to take his skills to the University of Utah next fall.

The senior was considering Colorado, Oklahoma State and Oregon State but chose Utah because he felt comfortable with the coaching staff and the school's support services.

"It actually feels very overwhelming," said Kaufusi, who earlier this season didn't think he would be academically eligible to play Division I football. "I'm very happy to be graduating and to be going to college. (My family) are all so surprised that I've made it this far. It feels great."

Kaufusi was impressed with the programs he visited but said it really came down to his comfort level with the Utah coaches and the support services as well as having a guaranteed scholarship if he finishes his make-up classes by June.

Kaufusi said he's always been a Ute fan, and he's known assistant coach Gary Andersen since he was about 10 years old.

"Coach Andersen made a difference," he said, adding he's got four classes to finish, two of which he's nearly completed.

The willingness of Utah coaches to work with Kaufusi was the key in his decision, and his high school coaches said he's overcome a lot to be in this position.

"Academically, he's on track to do everything they've asked of him," said Cottonwood coach Cecil Thomas. "He'll succeed, there's no doubt in my mind. He's knocking those classes out one by one, and as far as seniors go, he's one of the few who is in the weight room everyday. He's very accountable and on track to be enrolled and playing football in August. It's great for the kid."

Kaufusi said he'll be staying with his biological brother, Cottonwood offensive lineman John Martinez, and his parents until he heads to college in August. John's father, Steve Martinez, said Kaufusi has always had the ability to play football at the highest levels.

"He's just so big, so fast, so physical," said Steve Martinez. He believes Kaufusi's choice will be a good fit for him because he has a lot of support, both academically and socially.

Thomas said that, like Kaufusi, he didn't foresee this opportunity for the talented athlete just a few months ago.

"I'm very happy and surprised at the same time," he said. "He's been grinding it out since football season ended to get here. And for a coach, this is what it's all about."

Andersen, the Utes' defensive coordinator, is responsible for recruiting in the state of Utah, and he said each student athlete is evaluated on very specific, individual circumstances — regardless of the time of year.