BYU football: Kanuch commits to Cougars

Bingham High lineman Tuni Kanuch became the ninth player to verbally commit to BYU as part of its 2010 recruiting class.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder committed to Cougar coach Bronco Mendenhall Wednesday. Kanuch is expected to serve an LDS mission before enrolling.

Also this week, California running back A.J. Moore committed to BYU.

Others who have pledged to sign with the Cougars next February are linebackers Collin Keoshian and Joey Owens; linemen Bronson Kaufusi, Graham Rowley, Jordan Black and Travis Tuiloma; and running back Algernon Brown.

LINEMAN TO GO ON MISSION: BYU defensive lineman Russell Tialavea today said he plans to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"I've made a decision to serve a mission, and I'm really excited about it," Tialavea said. "I'm working on putting in my papers and at this point expect to go before the upcoming season. I hope to have two years to play after returning from my mission with the medical hardships I have had."

The 6-foot-3, 286-pound nose tackle from Oceanside, Calif., redshirted due to injury in 2005 and then made seven starts as a redshirt freshman in 2006. He had to sit out again in 2007 after suffering an injury during fall camp. Last year, Tialavea totaled 17 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and two pass breakups while starting in 12 games. He also blocked a field goal in BYU's 59-0 victory over UCLA.