Has BYU assembled the best group of linebackers in the Kalani Sitake era?
LBs Jack Kelly, Isaiah Glasker, Harrison Taggart and Siale Esera have their sights set on a Big 12 title
Calling the current group of BYU linebackers the best in school history is probably a stretch, considering the Cougars have produced the likes of NFL standouts Kyle Van Noy, Fred Warner, Sione Takitaki and Rob Morris.
Suffice it to say, however, that senior Jack Kelly and juniors Harrison Taggart and Isaiah Glasker are probably the best trio in the Kalani Sitake era, which began in 2016. Primary backups Miles Hall, Siale Esera, Choe Bryant-Strother and Ace and Maika Kaufusi aren’t slouches, either, providing the depth that is needed in the Big 12.
It is telling that two BYU linebackers — Kelly and Glasker — who were instrumental in BYU shutting down high-flying Colorado’s offense in the Alamo Bowl considered entering the NFL draft, which is later this month, before deciding to return to Provo. Taggart and Esera, who leave spring camp in a tight battle for the starting middle linebacker spot, also have pro potential, according to defensive coordinator Jay Hill.
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“Linebacker is one of our deepest groups right now,” Hill said after the last practice of spring camp on March 28. “We have really good battles going on. Obviously there is Jack Kelly and Isaiah Glasker. But Harrison Taggart and Siale Esera are both (potential stars). Those guys will both play a lot.
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“Ace Kaufusi has been outstanding. Choe Bryant-Strother has shown really good things.
I like the other guys, too. Maika Kaufusi has made huge strides this spring. Miles Hall has done some good things,” Hill continued. “Bottom line, there is some depth there that I feel good about. We are adding a couple of guys still. Then there are some really good young freshmen that we just got in the group. So I like that group a lot”.
