California defensive lineman signs with Cougars, Taumata Tofi

PROVO — BYU football coach Bronco Mendenhall announced Friday that defensive lineman Taumata Tofi has signed a national letter of intent with the Cougars.

The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder from Perris, Calif., was also recruited by Washington, Arizona, Fresno State and Utah State.

"Taumata Tofi is a great fit for BYU," Mendenhall said. "He is a great student, a man of faith and an excellent football player. He has a bright future as a defensive lineman at BYU and we are lucky to have him."

Tofi likes to be called "Felesi," which means "fresh" in Samoan. He was a two-time All-Sunbelt League First Team selection. He played football, volleyball, and participated track and field at Perris High.

Tofi's older brothers, Travis and Joe, played college football at USC and UNLV, respectively.