Finished ranked 3rd in nation in total defense, 3rd in nation in scoring defense, top 25 in sacks.

Star talent/NFL starter talent at each level of the D:
Ziggy Ansah on the D line (top 5 NFL draft pick, pro bowler)
Kyle Van Noy at LB (2nd rd NFL draft pick, 2 Super Bowl titles, 9 year career starter and counting)
Daniel Sorensen at Safety (Started for 2 Super Bowl teams, 1 title, 9 year career starter and counting)

Additional 2 deep members who played in the NFL:
Bronson Kaufusi (3rd rd NFL draft pick, 6+ year NFL career)
Alani Fua (2 years on NFL roster)

Good college player contributors all around:
DL's - Eathyn Manumaleuna, Russell Tialavea, Romney Fuga
LB's - Uona Kaveinga, Brandon Ogletree, Spencer Hadley
DB's - Preston Hadley, Craig Bills, Joe Sampson, Jordan Johnson

Plus they were coached by BYU's best ever defensive coach in Bronco. Hard to imagine a BYU defense better than that (past or future).