Utah defensive end Jason Kaufusi is a lot of things. Besides being a two-time first-team all-conference honoree, the senior is also a candidate for several national accolades, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Rotary Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy.
What he isn't, however, is a full participant in fall camp.
"I feel bad for Jason. There's no one on this football team that works harder or cares more about what he's doing than Jason Kaufusi," Utah defense coordinator Kyle Whittingham said. "Unfortunately, he's just had chronic shoulder problems. They haven't gone away."
As a result, a routine was established. Kaufusi watches spring drills from the sideline and sees limited action during two-a-days in the fall. Standard operating procedure, as Whittingham explains, also keeps Kaufusi off the field on Tuesdays during the regular season — Utah's heavy contact day.
"He's a proven warrior for us. He's played a lot of great football," Whittingham said. "In my opinion, he's the best pass rusher in this conference when he's healthy.
"So we're just trying to get him back right and ready to go," he added.
It's a philosophy that new head coach Urban Meyer appreciates.
"I want the kid healthy. The kid deserves to be healthy. We're going to do everything possible to let him play his last year of college football healthy — if that can happen. We're just doing everything we can," Meyer said. "I love who he is and I love what he stands for. The team loves who he is, and they love what he stands for."
Kaufusi, who was recently elected a team captain, is expected to be in the lineup Aug. 28 when the Utes open the season at home against Utah State.
"He's one of the toughest individuals you'll ever come across," Whittingham said. "If there's anyone who can come back from this — and he's been down this road before — it's him and he'll do it."
Kaufusi's ailments have seemingly come one after another. He said they started shortly after returning from LDS missionary service in Panama City. Instead of taking a year to get back into playing shape, Kaufusi had just 2-3 months. Ever since then, he explained, his body hasn't had time to heal itself.
Offseason operations help but fail to rectify everything. Kaufusi's right shoulder hurt a year ago; this time it's his left.
"It's frustrating. Especially when you love the game," Kaufusi said. "You want to go out there and have fun with the rest of the boys, but deep down you've really got to find somewhere in your heart to be kind of patient with yourself — make sure your body gets healed up right."
Though unorthodox, the approach has worked. Despite a lack of contact in spring and fall drills, Kaufusi excels during the regular season. Whittingham said everyone involved is just trying to be smart about it. Besides, he added, there is no one tougher than Jason Kaufusi.
The former East High star, who earned 4A MVP honors while leading the Leopards to the state title in 1996, is an All-America candidate. In 30 games at Utah, Kaufusi has racked up 38.5 tackles for loss and 19 quarterback sacks. Meyer considers the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder as "the blood and guts" of Utah's defense.
His presence, thus, is critical.
"It's kind of hard when everyone else is practicing, but I've got to do what I've got to do to put myself in the best situation to help the team," Kaufusi said. "It's hard. Sometimes when I'm out here jogging around getting myself ready, I try not to take a glance over there because when I do it's heartbreaking for me. And so I just try to keep myself focused."
Same as always.
CAMP NOTES: Meyer said he was "very pleased" with Utah's first fall practice in fall pads. Topping the list was effort . . . The Utes will have their first two-a-day practices today. Others are slated for Aug. 11, 13, 16 and 18 . . . Defensive back Shaun Harper broke the pinky finger on his right hand earlier in the week . Though it'll require surgery, he's expected to be ready for the USU game.
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com