FRESHMAN FRENZY: BYU’s Shocking Camp Standout Is a 3-Star True Freshman Nobody Saw Coming — Coaches Say “He’s Already Unblockable”
What started as just another summer workout session in Provo has turned into the story of fall camp: a true freshman defensive end, ranked just three stars out of high school, is absolutely dominating older teammates — and BYU coaches are scrambling to find ways to get him on the field.
Meet Kalisi Tonga, a 6-foot-5, 255-pound wrecking ball from Las Vegas. He wasn’t expected to make noise this early. Recruited as a long-term project, Tonga was projected to redshirt in 2025 and develop behind upperclassmen. But after a jaw-dropping performance in non-padded drills and 1-on-1 sessions this week, that plan may already be out the window.
“We’ve never seen a freshman with this kind of motor,” said one BYU defensive assistant. “He’s got violent hands, a crazy first step, and he’s humble. He just wants to hunt quarterbacks.”
Multiple practice observers say Tonga has already outperformed two returning rotation players. Veteran linemen reportedly left the field shaking their heads, calling him “a freak” and “not normal for a kid that young.”
The buzz has now reached national circles. A West Coast scout attending practice Thursday noted Tonga’s “relentless energy and violent hips,” and predicted that if he keeps this up, NFL buzz could come by his sophomore year.
For now, fans are just stunned. Many didn’t even know his name in February.
But in June? They’re calling him “The Las Vegas Hammer.”
BYU’s defense needed an edge.
Looks like they just found their next star.
