A few things are apparent:

He's been on the field and made plays as a D-1 player who had to walk on. That elevates him above all but the most elite football players, at least in terms of persisting with whatever talent he's been given and doing something with it.

He had to play out of position last year because everyone at that position was hurt.

Povey has played better this year, at his natural position.

He still isn't a tremendous athlete, even by what we'd consider an athletic safety at BYU. That limits his playmaking ability. Povey, when playing well, is an "assignment sound" type, not a world beater.

Like practically everyone on the D, he hasn't looked all that great at times. Unlike many on the D, he's also had times when he's looked pretty good within his role.

If Povey has been our defensive MVP at times, it's because this D was utterly bereft of consistent contributors. Really.

The relationship to Howell certainly doesn't seem to have hurt him. Not that being related is a precursor, but having "trust" with the defensive powers that be appears to be very, very important. Don't get in trouble, say the right things, be gritty, know what you're supposed to be doing. Have some claim to underdog status, such as "walk-on" under your belt. If it's a near tie between you and a more athletic player who doesn't have these things, your chances of seeing the field are pretty good on the current BYU D.

Povey gets a bit more than his share of abuse around here because of a family relationship he can't help. I don't put him near the level of Sorensen, Rich, or even Bills, and provided he knows his role, I'd much rather see Jackson this year. But Povey built himself into a guy who's contributed at BYU. No small accomplishment. Good for him.