Former Oregon State Signee Orion Maile-Kaufusi is on BYU's Spring Roster
On Thursday, BYU unveiled the roster for 2024 Spring camp. One of the surprise newcomers on the roster was former Oregon State signee Orion Maile-Kaufusi. Orion, a three-star linebacker, signed with the Beavers as part of the 2021 signing class out of East High School. After serving a mission, Maile-Kaufusi quietly appeared on BYU's roster as a defensive end. He will wear jersey number 53 this season.
Orion was not officially announced by BYU, meaning he probably joined the program as a walk-on. It's never a bad thing to add another Kaufusi to the roster, but it's especially beneficial when you can add a capable player without allocating a scholarship. Orion picked up offers from Utah State, Oregon State, and Air Force during his recruitment.
Orion is listed at 6'3 and 235 pounds on the Spring roster. That's notable since he was listed at 190 pounds in high school. He flashed great quickness off the edge at East High School and he also played tight end. If he can maintain his burst off the line of scrimmage at his current weight, he could become a surprise contributor for BYU's defense in 2024. You can check out his senior highlights below.
Maile-Kaufusi will be one of a handful of newcomers at defensive end. BYU looked to add a pass rushers during the past recruiting cycle. Orion is just another new body that could help BYU get after the quarterback.
BYU continues Spring camp on Friday with a closed practice. Beginning next week, they will practice three times each week throughout the month of March.
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