For BYU football, good news comes in sets of 3

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates an interception during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

The superstitious believe trouble comes in sets of three. But for BYU football coach Kalani Sitake, the ingredients to another successful run in the Big 12 do, too — and he has plenty of them.

On the heels of BYU’s 11-2 season, a 36-14 victory over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl and an expected top 15 ranking, Sitake and his staff are beaming over trios of returning impact players at just about every position group.

Linebackers

Starting linebackers Jack Kelly, Harrison Taggart and Isaiah Glasker return after combining last season for 190 tackles, 27 tackles-for-loss, 10 sacks, five interceptions and four forced fumbles.

There is also an experienced group behind them, including Siale Esera, Miles Hall, Choe Bryant-Strother and Ace Kaufusi.

Secondary

Tanner Wall, Evan Johnson and Mory Bamba are a trio that will be back in the secondary. Last season, they combined for five of BYU’s FBS-leading 22 interceptions and six pass breakups.

In addition, Raider Damuni, Faletau Satuala, Ethan Slade and Talan Alfrey all saw time at safety.

Special teams

Special teams aces Keelan Marion, Parker Kingston and Will Ferrin will be back.

Marion earned All-American honors with his two kickoff returns for touchdowns. Kingston returned a pair of punts for touchdowns, including a 64-yarder in the Alamo Bowl.

Ferrin returns after kicking a school record 24 field goals — making 16 in a row to end the season. Six of Ferrin’s kicks were from 49 yards or longer. His 44-yard field goal to beat Utah 22-21 in Salt Lake City was his signature moment. The senior-to-be also converted on all 41 point-after tries.

Receivers

On the offensive side of the ball, Chase Roberts, Darius Lassiter…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/byu-football-good-news-comes-174155335.html

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2025-01-13 17:41:00

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