The 2025 BYU spring camp provided a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their growth, refine their skills, and solidify their roles heading into the upcoming season. While some players struggled to make an impact, others seized the moment and significantly boosted their stock. Here are five Cougars who stood out and impressed during spring camp.
### 1. Siale Esera – Linebacker
Esera emerged as one of the most promising defensive players during camp, demonstrating his ability to read plays and make crucial stops. His physicality and awareness allowed him to disrupt opposing offenses, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike. With BYU’s defense looking to improve in 2025, Esera’s performance in spring camp suggests he could be a key contributor in the linebacker rotation [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/5-cougars-boosted-stock-2025-030001532.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidjFXdVFpNjg3elV4b3JKNjZjVFpKIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvNS1jb3VnYXJzLWJvb3N0ZWQtc3RvY2stMjAyNS0wMzAwMDE1MzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### 2. Keanu Tanuvasa – Defensive End
A transfer from Utah, Tanuvasa wasted no time making an impact in BYU’s defensive scheme. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt plays in the backfield was evident throughout camp. Coaches have highlighted his work ethic and adaptability, making him a strong candidate for a starting role in the upcoming season [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/5-cougars-boosted-stock-2025-030001532.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidjFXdVFpNjg3elV4b3JKNjZjVFpKIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvNS1jb3VnYXJzLWJvb3N0ZWQtc3RvY2stMjAyNS0wMzAwMDE1MzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### 3. Andrew Gentry – Offensive Lineman
Gentry’s presence on the offensive line was a game-changer during spring camp. His size, strength, and technique allowed him to dominate in pass protection and run blocking. With BYU aiming to establish a more balanced offensive attack, Gentry’s emergence as a reliable lineman will be crucial for the team’s success [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/5-cougars-boosted-stock-2025-030001532.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidjFXdVFpNjg3elV4b3JKNjZjVFpKIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvNS1jb3VnYXJzLWJvb3N0ZWQtc3RvY2stMjAyNS0wMzAwMDE1MzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### 4. Carsen Ryan – Tight End
Ryan showcased his versatility as a tight end, proving to be a reliable target in the passing game while also contributing as a blocker. His ability to create separation and make contested catches impressed the coaching staff, positioning him as a valuable asset in BYU’s offensive scheme. Expect Ryan to play a significant role in the red zone and short-yardage situations [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/5-cougars-boosted-stock-2025-030001532.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidjFXdVFpNjg3elV4b3JKNjZjVFpKIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvNS1jb3VnYXJzLWJvb3N0ZWQtc3RvY2stMjAyNS0wMzAwMDE1MzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### 5. Tausili Akana – Defensive End
Akana’s athleticism and explosiveness off the edge made him one of the standout performers in spring camp. His ability to generate pressure and disrupt plays was a highlight of BYU’s defensive drills. With his continued development, Akana could become a key playmaker for the Cougars’ defense in 2025 [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/5-cougars-boosted-stock-2025-030001532.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidjFXdVFpNjg3elV4b3JKNjZjVFpKIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvNS1jb3VnYXJzLWJvb3N0ZWQtc3RvY2stMjAyNS0wMzAwMDE1MzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) spring camp have not only boosted their individual stock but also strengthened the team’s overall depth and competitiveness. With the season approaching, fans can expect these Cougars to play pivotal roles in BYU’s pursuit of success in 2025.
The impact of spring camp extends beyond individual performances—it sets the foundation for the team’s identity and strategy moving forward. If these players continue to build on their momentum, BYU could be in for an exciting and competitive season.
### Looking Ahead
As BYU prepares for the upcoming season, these five players have positioned themselves as key contributors. Their performances in [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/5-cougars-boosted-stock-2025-030001532.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidjFXdVFpNjg3elV4b3JKNjZjVFpKIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvNS1jb3VnYXJzLWJvb3N0ZWQtc3RvY2stMjAyNS0wMzAwMDE1MzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
