Full Circle: Jonny Harline Celebrates BYU’s Resurgence at Tight End, Reflects on Legacy and Future Potential
For former BYU tight end Jonny Harline, watching the Cougars find renewed strength at his old position brings a deep sense of pride and nostalgia. A key figure in BYU’s storied football history, Harline is best remembered for his unforgettable game-winning catch against Utah in 2006 — a play etched into the hearts of Cougar fans and into college football lore. Now, nearly two decades later, Harline sees a familiar spark in the tight end room at BYU and couldn’t be happier.
“It feels like things are coming full circle,” Harline said in a recent interview. “There’s a tradition at BYU for great tight end play — from guys like Chad Lewis and Itula Mili before me, to Dennis Pitta and beyond. It’s exciting to see that legacy being honored and rebuilt.”
The tight end position has long been a cornerstone of BYU’s offensive identity. During the 1980s and early 2000s, BYU was known for developing tight ends who not only contributed heavily in the passing game but also often went on to productive careers in the NFL. Harline himself was a classic example of this mold — a dependable route-runner with sure hands and a knack for coming up big in pressure situations.
In recent years, however, the tight end position at BYU had taken a backseat as offensive philosophies shifted and depth at the position thinned. But with emerging talent now stepping up and new offensive schemes that emphasize tight end versatility, that trend is reversing — and Harline is taking notice.
“These guys are athletic, they’re smart, and they’re being used in creative ways,” he said. “It’s not just lining up in the same spot every play. They’re being moved around — flexed out wide, lined up in the backfield, and used in motion. That’s how you create mismatches, and that’s how BYU has always thrived when it comes to tight end play.”
For Harline, it’s not just about the Xs and Os — it’s about legacy. As a former walk-on who rose to national prominence, he knows what it means to fight for a role and represent the university with heart. He hopes today’s players understand the weight of the position and the pride that comes with wearing that jersey.
“There’s something special about being a tight end at BYU,” Harline said. “It’s more than just catching passes. It’s about being a complete player, being accountable, and being part of something bigger than yourself.”
As BYU continues to make its mark in the Big 12, Harline sees the resurgence of the tight end position as a sign of bigger things to come — a return to the physical, high-IQ football that once defined the program.
“I think we’re just getting started,” he said with a smile. “And I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.”
