In the new era of open transfers in college sports, itap not uncommon for athletes to compete for two or three schools during their careers.
Even by today’s standards, though, Vili Taufatofua has had an unconventional path through college football.
This spring, the senior is competing with the Colorado Buffaloes, his fourth school in his five seasons of college.
“I’ll say itap a unique journey,” the 6-foot-3, 260-pound defensive end said. “I just thank God for everything that I’ve been through and so far I’m so grateful. I’m grateful for Colorado for taking me in and investing in me. So, itap been great so far (in Boulder).”
A native of Auckland, New Zealand, where he attended high school, Taufatofua began his college career at New Mexico Military Institute in 2022, recording 81 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in 12 games.
He then spent two seasons at Utah, where he redshirted in 2023 and played in just one game in 2024. Last year, he transferred to San Jose State, where he earned All-Mountain West honorable mention after posting 34 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks.
Now, he’s trying to prove himself at the Power Four level. He’s one of six transfers in the defensive ends room.
“There’s studs in the room,” he said. “Itap a great competition and honestly, we bonded like a brotherhood so far in that room, too. … If anything, they keep the standard high in the room, as well, and with me, making sure I’m in check, as well.”
Taufatofua said his physicality and football IQ are assets as he competes this spring.
“In my journey in football, I feel like I’ve developed my IQ in the game, so itap been great so far,” he said. “Itap been awesome.”
Position switch
After playing last season as a reserve at inside linebacker, junior Kylan Salter has moved to the defensive ends room.
“He’s a really good young man and he goes really hard,” defensive ends coach George Helow said. “So he’s going to be a core four special teams guy for us like he did last year. He’s matured a lot and he gives great effort. … K-Salt, effort has been there every day. He’s got a heck of a motor. Core four guy (on special teams), he’s got some pass rush ability.
“The guy’s got talent, he’s got ability, his attitude and effortap been tremendous, so I’m really looking forward to what he does in the fall.”
Mauler
Redshirt freshman Chauncey Gooden is competing for a starting job at guard and he’s enjoying a good spring.
The 6-3, 380-pound Gooden has spent time with the top two offensive line units this spring.
“Chauncey, he’s done a phenomenal job,” line coach Gunnar White said. “He came in a little heavy, we got him with the nutritionist and helped him out, making sure that he’s eating and doing proper things and not just stuff that tastes good.
“So he’s on the right track with that and then when it came to the working out and the conditioning, he’s done a really good job with that. Itap helped him drop his weight and then when he got on the field, like, he’s just a mauler. Like, he puts hands on guys and he doesn’t let anybody loose.”
Notable
Taufatofua has teammates from each of his previous three stops on the current Buffs’ roster: linebacker Tyler Martinez (New Mexico Military), quarterback Isaac Wilson (Utah) and receiver Danny Scudero (San Jose State). … CU will have the weekend off and resume practice on Tuesday. The Buffs have two more practices before the spring game on April 11 at Folsom Field.
