University of Utah transfer Keanu Tanuvasa has been widely viewed as BYU’s most significant offseason acquisition, but don’t forget about another defensive tackle who could end up giving the Cougars one of the top defensive interior lines in the Big 12.
That would be Oklahoma State transfer Justin Kirkland, who committed to BYU on May 1, a few days after entering the transfer portal on April 28 and about a month after spring football practices concluded in Provo.
However, Kirkland has not been participating in preseason training camp for the Cougars as he recovers from a knee injury sustained after he arrived at BYU.
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“I’m just taking care of myself right now,” the 6-foot-3, 340-pound product of West Haven, Utah, and Roy High told the Deseret News last week. “Something happened over the summer, but I will be back sooner than later. I don’t really want to disclose anything, but yeah, tell BYU fans not to worry about it at all.”
Although Kirkland predicts a “quick recovery,” he acknowledged he probably won’t be available to play in the opener against Portland State on Aug. 30.
Coach Kalani Sitake said last week that Kirkland “has got to work through some injuries and we will get him back as soon as possible,” but noted that he is not concerned with the sudden lack of depth at the defensive tackle positions.
One of the projected rotation players when spring camp ended, senior Luke To’omalatai, is “taking care of some personal issues and business” and is no longer in the program, said defensive tackles coach Sione Po’uha.
“Culture-wise and fit-wise, Justin Kirkland is perfect for our program, just like Keanu and the other guys have been,” Sitake…
Source link : https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/08/13/byu-football-defensive-line-d-line-justin-kirkland-player-opener/
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Publish date : 2025-08-14 03:00:00
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