Keni Kaufusi's dream of playing college football might have been delayed, but it wasn't completely derailed.

About seven months after legal trouble prompted Utah to withdraw its scholarship offer, the former Cottonwood defensive lineman has committed to play at the University of California, Berkeley.

"I just called the defensive coach this morning," Kaufusi told the Deseret News Monday afternoon. "He was very excited."

Kaufusi is excited to get another shot at Division I college football — and to play in the Pac-10.

"I went to Cal in December and I just really liked all of it," he said. "Their facilities, their alumni connections, a lot of stuff beyond football. And I'm more into the big city thing."

The commitment also means Kaufusi will be lining up against his younger brother, John Martinez, one of the country's most highly recruited offensive linemen, next year. Martinez committed to USC on Jan. 4.

"That is just going to make it more fun," said Kaufusi with a laugh."

Asked about whether or not there will be any pre-game trash-talking, he didn't hesitate, "Big time."

Just a year apart in school, both Martinez and Kaufusi said they work out together and push each other with a lot of "friendly competition."

"I actually haven't told my little brother yet," Kaufusi said.

Kaufusi visited Arkansas with another former teammate, offensive lineman Percy Taumoelau, this past weekend. He arrived home late Sunday night and had essentially made his decision.

"I enjoyed Arkansas very much," Kaufusi said. "It was really intense. Their fans are really into it. They're way fanatic."

But as impressed as he was with the Razorbacks, Kaufusi felt the Golden Bears fit his personality more

"I decided I wanted to go to Cal," he said. "I decided (Sunday) and then I slept on it."

Kaufusi originally didn't think he was academically eligible to play Division I football, but after making up some classes late in his senior year, he became a highly recruited player. After several trips, including one to Colorado, he committed to Utah.

The University of Utah, however, rescinded that offer when Kaufusi was arrested for misdemeanor alcohol and weapons charges in June. Kaufusi entered a plea in abeyance to four misdemeanor charges and, if he stays out of trouble for 12 months, they will all be dismissed. He is also just a couple of tests away from earning his high school diploma. He spent the fall volunteering to help with the Colts defense and finishing a math class.

He said he appreciates this opportunity to play college football even more after his setbacks and is going to work hard to capitalize on it. He heads to Cal with another former teammate, running back Isi Sofele, who committed to Cal about two weeks ago.

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com