This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

South Jordan • Regarded as the top local football recruit for the Class of 2017, Bingham's four-star defensive tackle Jay Tufele will be sidelined "indefinitely" after an MRI revealed ligament damage in his foot, The Tribune has learned.

Bingham coach John Lambourne doesn't think the injury is season-ending, but said foot injuries are notoriously difficult to judge and a timetable for his return has yet to be established.

Lamborne also said the coaching staff and medical personnel are taking extra precautions before inserting Tufele back into competition because Lamborne believes he has a legitimate opportunity to start as a true freshman in college next season. That means Tufele will need to be fully-healed for spring practices in April at the earliest.

The injury occurred while Tufele was participating at "The Opening," a prestigious Nike-sponsored preseason showcase reserved for the highest-recruited athletes in the nation, in July. Tufele, who is using crutches for stability, did not participate in the top-ranked Miners' 42-9 win against Westlake on Opening Night.

Tufele is The Tribune's reigning Player of the Year after recording 120 tackles and 16.5 sacks in two seasons despite fending off extra blockers nearly every play. Many coaches have claimed Tufele is one of the best prospects to ever play in the state of Utah.

According to 247Sports, Tufele currently holds offers from Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Colorado, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA, USC, Utah, Utah State, Virginia, Washington and Washington State.

In a recent interview with The Tribune, Tufele expressed strong interest for the Utes, saying, "I really like Utah. Got to give it to the in-state school." He added he's considering Ohio State, Michigan and USC, as well.

— Trevor Phibbs