Former Bingham DT Jay Tufele Opting Out Of Season With USC
Aug 19, 2020, 10:55 AM
USC Trojans defensive lineman Jay Tufele (78) celebrates during a college football game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans on November 23, 2019, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Former Bingham star defensive tackle announced that he will be opting out of the upcoming football season and will declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Pac-12 postponed all competitions until at least January 1, 2021. It is unknown if the conference will have a season in the spring.
Tufele announced his decision to opt out on Twitter.
“To my parents, siblings and family. To my academic advisors, learning specialists and tutors. To all the coaches who have guided me on and off the field, serving as the driving force for my development. To my teammates who have always given me support and never lost faith in me no matter the situation,” Tufele wrote. “To the Trojan Family who has watched and invested their time in my growth with lots of support.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for being with me on this journey,” Tufele continued. “When I reflect on my time at USC, I think of all the memorable interactions with you all that have helped me grow. USC and Los Angeles have forced me to stretch myself physically and mentally and I am forever thankful. I will always cherish the positive memories made.
“That being said, I have come to the point where it is time for me to do what is best for my career and family,” Tufele wrote. “I have decided to opt out of the upcoming football season and declare for the 2021 NFL draft. Although it pains me to leave all the people who have become so instrumental in my life, know that I will carry all of you with me in my heart as I embark on the next phase of my journey. Forever grateful. Fight on.”
Looking forward to this next chapter in my life. 🙏🏽✌️ #fightonforever pic.twitter.com/tjLPSxKHzU
— 🇼🇸jay Tufele🇦🇸 (@tufele123) August 19, 2020
According to ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Todd McShay, Tufele is projected to go in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Tufele’s College Career
Tufele was going to be a redshirt junior in 2020 for the Trojans.
In 2018, he appeared in 12 games and started in five, finishing the season with 23 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a blocked field goal and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Tufele won USC’s Defensive Lineman of the Year Award.
In 2019, Tufele started in all 13 games. He recorded 41 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and a pass deflection. The former Bingham star was named first team All-Pac-12 and once again took home USC’s Defensive Lineman of the Year Award.
Tufele’s High School Career
Tufele was a part of the 2017 signing class for USC. As a four-star prospect, he was the No. 1 recruit in the state of Utah, No. 39 nationally and the third highest ranked defensive tackle in the country.
He was a 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.
