Damuni maintains Stanford interest

Stanford's pursuit of Utah outside linebacker Levani Damuni took a bit of a hit this summer when the Ridgeline High School star suffered a leg injury that prevented him from participating in the Cardinal's camp. But it did not derail it.

The Cardinal has continued to recruit Damuni, and the four-star standout is serious about Stanford.

"I'm very interested in Stanford," Damuni said. "If I got an offer from them - it's a dream school, for sure."

"The culture, their football tradition (appeal to me). Obviously their academics are amazing. They always preach (that they provide a) meaningful degree that can help you for the rest of your life and not just go there to play football, but play football and get a degree at the same time - a meaningful one that can set you up for life."

Stanford started recruiting Damuni last spring, which included a visit from Cardinal defensive coordinator Lance Anderson to Damuni's high school. It continued in May, when Damuni visited The Farm for a Junior Day.

An injury sidelined him for the summer, but Damuni is now back to full health.

"I started hearing from them this past school year in like April or March," Damuni said. "Coach Anderson came by the school and he invited me to that Junior Day. I've just been in touch with Coach Anderson a lot since them."

"Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the camp. Right now I'm doing way better. I'm healed up all the way. I'm still taped for practice and games, but I'm doing well. I'm feeling pretty good for this season."

Nowadays, many of Damuni's conversations with Stanford center around the school's admissions process and ensuring Damuni is on track to be admitted.

"Lately we've been talking about making sure I get my schedule right to qualify and all that with the AP classes," Damuni said. "Just making sure I'm taking the right classes and seeing how I'm doing, how my ankle is feeling and all that. Just catching up."

While Stanford has yet to extend Damuni a scholarship offer, a number of other top programs have. And he's still considering a number of options.

"I'm liking a lot of schools right now," Damuni said. "I like Utah, BYU, Virginia, Vanderbilt. I'm liking a lot of the schools right now. I don't really feel a big rush to commit anywhere or anything. I'm just trying to focus on this football season with my team and maybe after the season and during the season too I'll plan some officials, take some trips and go from there. But I'm still in the process of narrowing it down."

Stanford is recruiting Damuni to play the outside linebacker position. He does intend to serve a two-year LDS church mission before beginning his college career.

Damuni has a few connections to Stanford football: He's friends with 2017 Cardinal commit Sione Lund, and 2016 Stanford signee Loa Kaufusi is one of Damuni's cousins.