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Jun 23, 2022
2:36:43pm
icecougar Truly Addicted User
Pretty sure it's going to be Rip on Tuiaki Summer
I think defensively we're getting there incrementally but it's not happening as fast as it did for offense. Remember however, for several years the offensive staff had an extra coach (one more than the D). That changed when Grimey left so we'll see if things start to even out a little more. Defensively we have been seeing development and progression to the next level. Tonga and Wilcox both got drafted in the 2021 NFL draft. When is the last year a BYU team had a NT and a CB drafted in the same draft? Maybe never?

It's taken a little longer to build up experienced depth with next level talent but we have guys now in place at several spots on the defensive side of the ball who have NFL futures including draft potential. The DL group is probably the furthest behind on that spectrum but they've maybe had the furthest distance to go based on when Kalani took over the team vs the LB group or the DB group.

Some of their early recruits have been slow to develop due to frequent injury or have had to medically retire which has set them back. Guys like Mahe, Fauatea, Tofa and Leiataua were hammered by injuries in multiple seasons while 4 star prospect Langi Tuifua (big time recruit, ESPN top 250) had to medically retire. It's been tough to recruit against Utah for DL's but BYU is turning the corner on that (Tuifua was at one time a Utah commit, same with Ice Moa).

Certainly Tuiaki should feel a little heat and has some things to prove this year (much like Kalani did after that stretch between 2017-2019) but I think we're going to be pleasantly surprised by our defense this year. Guys have been putting in the work. It will pay off.
This message has been modified
Originally posted on Jun 23, 2022 at 2:36:43pm
Message modified by icecougar on Jun 23, 2022 at 2:46:26pm
Message modified by icecougar on Jun 23, 2022 at 2:47:56pm
Message modified by icecougar on Jun 23, 2022 at 2:49:07pm
icecougar
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icecougar
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