This is the second installment in a position-by-position breakdown of the BYU Football program.
Heading into the past two seasons, the defensive line has been a concern in Provo, due to youth in 2006 and injuries in 2007.
In both seasons they surprised everyone, as the defense has been in the top 15 in scoring defense the past two seasons, with the D-line a big part of that.
Going into 2008, however, the position on paper finally looks to be a strength, and it will be vital to perform to expectations with an inexperienced secondary behind them. Getting pressure in opposing backfields will be key and the talent is there to do such a thing.
Junior: Jan Jorgensen
Many preseason predictions have Jorgensen as the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and a possible All-American candidate.
Jorgensen had 14 sacks last season, ranking in the top 10 nationally.
Jorgensen has a motor and will be drawing a lot of double teams this season, which will open things up for everyone else. If he continues to produce at high level will be playing on Sundays in the future.
Junior: Ian Dulan
Opted to stay in school rather than go on a mission was the smart choice. He has started 16 games in his career at BYU and will be the starter this season if he stays healthy.
Dulan missed the Wyoming game last season due to an MCL injury and in 2006 sufferred a leg injury midway through the season.
Along with Jorgensen, these two might be the best starting DE combo in the conference.
Junior: Brett Denney
The Denney family has been good to BYU over the years.
Both Ryan and John were talented DEs and are currently in the NFL.
The third Denney, Brett, has been no slouch either showing a lot of potential. He had his first start of his career last year against Wyoming in replace of an injured Ian Dulan.
Denney is a solid back up and would be a starter for many teams in the Mountain West.
RS-Freshman: David Angilau
Red-shirted last season, he skipped a practice mid-way through along with five other freshmen, but didn’t lead to any suspensions.
He’s only 18-years-old, so there is a possibility he could be serving a mission after 2008.
From his high school days in Longmont, Colorado he was a good pass rusher and an all-state performer.
RS-Freshman: Steven Fendry
A transfer from Colorado, Fendry red-shirted last season and was switched from tight end to defensive line before fall camp last year.
He has been with the unit for a year now.
At tight end, Fendry was in the top 30 at that position nationally in the Class of 2006, and an all around good athlete who lettered in basketball and lacrosse in high school.
He could make a dent in the two-deep this year with his size at 6’6” and has long arms to make things difficult for opposing QBs.
Junior: Kyle Leukenga
Leukenga red-shirted last season, and this past spring was suspended due to violating team rules.
Last month, we saw Leukenga working out with the team, so I would assume he is back in the program.
Junior: Bernard Afutiti
Afutiti was a four-star recruit out of Mt. San Antonio College.
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