DL Preview 2021

[scott715]

https://247sports.com/college/byu/LongF ... 158818154/

[E-Zone15]

BYU has really built some really good depth on the DL, much like they have done on the OL. But a difference between the two is the DL is pretty low if you look at the returning starts (OL likely will return 87 starts among 5 players), the DL will return I believe 7 starts unless Bracken El-Bakri returns for a plus one. But on a side note BYU had 9 different DL record at least 1 sack this year, so that means BYU had 6 different DL that will returning that recorded at least 1 sack. I'm sure I read that Uriah Leiataua will be returning for a plus one so I'm counting him in the 6 and if El-Bakri comes back for another year that would 7 of the 9. In 2019 Lorenzo Fauatea and Atunaisa Mahe were tied for team leader in sacks with 2.0. Fauatea in the few snaps he played this year did not record a sack and Mahe didn't play this year. So BYU should really be stacked at DL next year. This year team leader in sacks was a tie between LB- Isaiah Kaufusi and DE- Tyler Batty with 4.0 (played in only 4 games). The point is BYU had a speed rusher with motor in true-freshman Batty.

[E-Zone15]

BYU signed Logan Fano 6' 4" 230 (as Sr recorded 20.5 sacks) and John Henry Daley 6' 4" 225 (as Sr recorded 22.0 sacks) in the 2021 class with both crazy edge rushers. So that could be a lot of speed rushers for BYU in a couple years. Back in 2019 BYU signed the older brother of John Henry, Michael Daley 6' 3" 225 who as a Sr for Lone Peak had 20.5 sacks as LB/DE. Michael I believe was recruited as a LB, I could see him possibly growing into a speed edge rusher for BYU. It will be interesting to see what happens this Fall.

[scott715]

Will spring practice be pushed back due to Covid?

[E-Zone15]

Will spring practice be pushed back due to Covid?

That's a good question, but with the vaccines out and becoming more available each day/week things could start getting more normal. I could see it push back a little to April/May which could be a good thing for return missionaries. Which would give them a little more time to get in better shape, rather than spending most of Spring ball just getting back into shape.

[E-Zone15]

Next Khyiris Tonga? BYU Nose Tackle Atunaisa Mahe Coming Back From Injury In 2021; https://kslsports.com/451396/atunaisa-m ... om-injury/

He is one strong dude likely the strongest on the team, even counting Khyiris.
From the write up:
"Coming out of West Jordan High School, Mahe was a talented powerlifter and was coming into his own as a football player during his prep career."
His weakness is technique/space awareness, the technique can be taught and developed. The space awareness can developed and better technique will also help... But develops fastest with experience, through study, practices, and playing time in games.