Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
PROVO — BYU is approaching the midway point of its spring practice session, with several players asserting themselves as potential impact players this coming season.
Several won't serve as surprises but have nonetheless shown notable improvements in their already impressive skill sets. Others have made immediate impressions during their first practice sessions at BYU, mixed with other young and developing players competing in their second or third sessions.
Bear in mind that we're still relatively early in preparations for the coming 2024 football season, and while the following players listed have warranted mention, many others will likely assert themselves in the coming months.
Many of the household names you've grown to love over the years are not on this list as they are, obviously, the most tried and true on the team.
Defensive line
Jon Nelson (6-4, 290, Sr.): What I like about Nelson is he's always looking for ways to improve his overall play. After sustaining a season-ending injury last season, he's back again this year and showing the same drive, focus, consistency with a bit more twitch and pep in his technique. I'm also surprised he's actually competing in spring considering he ended the season injured.
Isaiah Bagnah (6-4, 245, Sr.): With this being his second year at BYU, and third with defensive ends coach Kelly Poppinga, Bagnah is showing the necessary improvements to make a noticeable jump in production this season. He's leaner and has an improved his "get off" from the line off scrimmage.
Blake Mangelson (6-5, 265, Sr.): A surprise standout along the defensive front last season, Mangelson has added good weight to his frame while not diminishing his explosiveness.
Logan Lutui (6-1, 255, Sr.): He's finally healthy and showing his superior twitch and lower-body strength during reps this spring. Look for Lutui to become a big contributor this season.
Linebackers
Isaiah Glasker (6-5, 230, So.): Glasker understands the defense much better this spring and has shown to be more physical, which complements his length and athleticism nicely.
Ephraim Asiata (6-3, 210, Fr.): Asiata reminds me of a younger Sione Takitaki, and he's already been afforded a lot of quality reps this spring. He needs to add weight, but his upside is tremendous.
Jack Kelly (6-2, 235, Jr.): Kelly is proving to be perhaps more versatile than thought when he transferred over from Weber State. Coaches like him at the Mike linebacker, Will linebacker, Sam linebacker, and even weak side defensive end.
Safety
Raider Damuni (6-1, 200, So.): Damuni has lost around 15 pounds from last season and it's helping him tremendously in playing effectively at safety. He also knows the defense a lot better, and is showing why he was such a highly-regarded prospect out of high school.
Tommy Prassas (6-2, 190, Fr.): Some may accuse me of nepotism here, but my nephew has already been pointed out in interviews with BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. He's also proving to be a very smart and athletic presence in the Cougars defensive backfield, and has earned himself a lot of quality reps thus far.
Cornerbacks
Evan Johnson: Johnson reminds me a lot of former BYU cornerbacks Chris Wilcox and Michael Davis, in that he's very blessed athletically. Should he continue his trajectory, he could very well prove to be a rotation player at cornerback, if not a starter.
Koa Eldredge: Coaches have been impressed with how well he's transitioned from receiver to cornerback, where he looks to be a real option to contribute during games this season at nickel.
Running backs
LJ Martin (6-2, 225, So.): Martin has put on 20 pounds of good weight during the offseason while not losing a step. He's making a strong bid to become BYU's primary running back this coming season.
Miles Davis (6-0, 215, Jr.): You can tell the game is slowing down for Davis, which has been a challenge for him due to lack of patience in the wide zone scheme. He's so naturally fast it's been hard to slow it all down. He's also proving to be more consistent in all facets of a running backs role in this offense.
Pokai Haunga (5-11, 200, Fr.): Haunga isn't quite as quick as former BYU great Reno Mahe, nor is he probably as fast as former BYU receiver Aleva Hifo, but he's right there as sort of a mix of both of them, and has stood out quite a bit during practice sessions.
Receivers
Darius Lassiter (6-2, 210, Sr.): Lassiter has shown a lot of good ambition in striving to fulfill a multitude of roles as a wide out this offseason. He's pushing to earn what I call "Puka privilege," in that he will be featured at many WR positions, much like Puka Nacua was during the 2022 BYU football season. So far he's put in the work necessary to at least receive some consideration in that regard.
Jojo Phillips (6-5, 205, Fr.): Phillips reminds me a lot of Mitch Mathews with his skill set and has really made strides from his true freshman season to this spring practice session. He is looking to be a good bet for significant playing time this coming season.
Tight ends
Keanu Hill (6-4, 240, Sr.): Hill has gained 20 pounds in order to play tight end but doesn't look to have lost a step. Right now he's your starting receiving tight end, and it's going to be tough to unseat him from that position.
Ryner Swanson (6-4, 245, Fr.): If anyone could unseat Hill as the first option at tight end, Swanson may be the best bet. I've raved about the initial impact Swanson has made on the practice field on both my radio show and in a previous article, and for good reason.
Offensive linemen
Connor Pay (6-5, 315, Sr.): Pay has been enthused by new leadership and culture on the offensive line this season, and has subsequently proven more vocal in the locker room and violent on the practice field than he has during any previous years.
Weylin Lapuaho (6-4, 305, Jr.): Last year he proved capable as a newcomer. His physicality and finishing of blocks, once again, stands out.
Caleb Etienne (6-8, 318, Sr.): What stands out most about Etienne is the improvements he's made with his footwork. He doesn't look as nonchalant in his movements, and he has a sense of urgency this year that could very well lead to him reaching his tremendous potential.
Joe Brown (6-4, 305, Fr.): Joe Brown is a pitbull who only knows how to play at one speed. Sure, he's a true freshman, but he's already showing enough for me to believe he'll break the two-deep depth chart, at a minimum, with the possibility of starting at one of the guard positions.
Peter Falaniko (6-3, 320, So.): Falaniko is a bit of a surprise this spring, but due to noticeable work done in the weight room and nutrition center, the third-year player is showing a lot of good strides in his bid to play this season.
Trevin Ostler (6-4, 305, So.): Trevin has been getting a lot of reps at right tackle with the ones with Brayden Keim being held out due to injury and has shown well thus far.
Special teams
Dalton Riggs (6-3, 225, So.): He's picking up where his brother, Austin Riggs, left off and looks like the clubhouse leader to be BYU's primary long snapper this season.
Enoch Nawahine (5-10, 205, Jr.): He's showing to be a great overall football player, and is earning the trust of the special teams coaches and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick.
Sam Van Der Haar (6-0, 219, So.): Van Der Haar is a rugby-like punter who has shown very good height and depth on his punts so far this spring.
