⚡ CFB Dashboard

One of the biggest bright spots in the Utes win over Idaho was Karson Kaufusi. The second-year defensive tackle looks to have made a sophomore leap and had a dominant performance against the Vandals. Kaufusi spoke with the media about his best game as a Ute and his thoughts on Arkansas. Question: How was practice today? Karson: It was great. It was fun. Got after it today, for sure. But yeah, it was good. Question: How was the first game just being back healthy? Karson: It was good. It was awesome. It was fun to put up that many points. It's fun to go out there with everybody, and it was just a good game overall. Question: How was it getting that sack? Karson: It was fun. You know, that's what you work for. That's what we come out, we rep it in practice. But honestly, that doesn't happen if 2, 3, 4, everybody else on the field isn't doing their job. Question: You and Jireh didn't play a lot of the game, but a lot of the younger guys behind you did get a lot of reps. What did you see from those younger guys that, you know, is encouraging? Karson: You know, anybody in our room can go out and play for sure. So it was just fun to see everybody get reps and get some good time. But yeah, anybody in our room can play. Question: Can you talk to the chemistry between you and Jireh Moe and just how you guys work so well together? Karson: Yeah, we preach communication in our room a lot, for sure. So out at practice, you know, in the film room, wherever it is, wherever we are, we're communicating. But that's what it comes down to. Question: When you were last on the field versus now, where do you think the biggest growth in your game has been? Karson: Probably in my body composition, honestly, being in shape. I spent a lot of time with Coach Saunders and his staff in the weight room, getting my body right, and with Miss Kelsey and her nutrition staff. So that's probably what I would say. Question: What do you take pride in most as a player or even as a group of guys that want to deliver on that football field? Karson: You guys are like, every time Karson is here, he's going to talk about being nasty. But that's what I'd say—just being nasty. Our whole room being nasty. Everybody, you know what I mean? Question: Run defense has been a big focus for you guys, you know, dating back to the spring. How would you assess the group as a whole after the first game? I thought it was good. Karson: There's always, there's always, there's always room for improvement. But yeah, we took a step forward. Question: What do you think of this Arkansas offensive line? Karson: They're good. I mean, we come in every week with the same idea. We're going to be nasty and get the job done. But they're good. So it'll definitely be a good game.