BYU Recruiting: Class of 2016 Big Board 1.0

By Jeff Hansen | Feb 5, 2015

How early is too early to start looking at the 2016 BYU recruiting class? Well, here at Lawless Republic, it’s never too early. BYU just finalized a successful 2015 class yesterday and now it’s time to turn the attention to next year.

Today we take a look at some of the early (and I can’t emphasize the word early enough) prospects that could join the Cougars this time next year. Obviously, it’s early and there is a whole lot of time before anything is finalized. This list will look vastly different February 2016 than it does today, but it’s fun to put on our Mel Kiper Jr. hat and start looking forward.

Prospects (Click on their names for their highlights)

1. Simi Fehoko: WR Brighton High School (UT), 6’4″ 180 lbs

Simi Fehoko is going to be one of the top prospects to come out of Utah next year. In my opinion, he will be as sought after next year as his former teammate Osa Masina was this year. He already has offers from Utah, Washington, Clemson, BYU and others and he’s receiving attention from the likes of USC. I really like BYU’s chances to land Fehoko, but it’s going to be a dog fight for the next year.

2. **Jaren Hall: QB Maple Mountain High School (UT), 6’1″ 185 lbs**

Jaren Hall is the son of former BYU running back Kalin Hall. The dual threat quarterback is already committed to BYU. He has offers from just BYU and Utah but he was hearing from schools across the country before committing to BYU. I think more schools may come calling but Hall seems as solid as anyone.

3. **Hirley Latu: S Kahuku High School (HI) 6’3″ 200 lbs**

Hirkley Latu is the latest player from the islands of Hawaii to commit to BYU. Latu had offers from BYU and Utah when he announced he would take his talents to Provo. I like Latu as a safety but I think that his body and size are going to continue to grow. If he puts on a few pounds before getting to Provo then he will develop into a really nice outside linebacker for BYU in the future.

4. Troy Warner: S Mission Hills High School (CA) 6’2″ 195 lbs

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Troy Warner is an elite prospect. He’s the little brother of Fred Warner. He’s a little smaller than his brother but he shows a lot of the same capabilities. BYU was the first school to offer Warner and Boston College has since followed. He’ll have more suitors in the future but I think that BYU is in a really good position to continue a Warner family legacy at BYU.

5. Keaton Bills: OT/DE Corner Canyon High School (UT) 6’5″ 275 lbs

Keaton Bills is former Cougar Craig Bills’ cousin. He’s grown up a BYU fan and he’s already got an offer. In addition to BYU’s offer, he has offers from the other in state schools as well. He has been offered as an offensive lineman but he could player tackle or defensive end at the next level. Keep an eye on Bills. He’ll be a top prospect in Utah.

6. Drew Jensen: S Brighton High School (UT) 6’2″ 190 lbs

Drew Jensen is yet another division one talent to come from Brighton High School. He suffered a season ending leg injury during his junior season at Brighton but he’ll come back next year and have a good season. He has offers from BYU, Utah and Oregon State (get used to seeing that in the future) and has BYU toward the top of the list. Not only would Jensen be a massive pickup for BYU because of who he is, he would also help in getting teammate Simi Fehoko.

7. Maxs Tupai: DE Murray High School (UT) 6’3″ 255 lbs

If it’s not Simi Fehoko then Maxs Tupai may be the best prospect in Utah. He’s simply an elite defensive end. Washington, Washington State, Oregon State, Oklahoma State, Utah, Utah State and Arizona State are just some of the schools that have offered Tupai. He’s going to have a whole lot of attention this year.

8. Ben Sukut: DB Capistrano Valley High Christian School (CA) 6’1″ 190 lbs

Ben Sukut is the fourth defensive back on the list. If BYU could land all four they would find places on the field very early in their careers. Currently, Sukut has offers from San Diego State and BYU. He’s going to get more and is already receiving attention from schools across the country. Sukut is a really good player.

9. Cole Fotheringham: TE San Clemente High School (CA) 6’5″ 215 lbs

Cole Fotheringham is a big tight end from one of the most impressive high schools in California. There isn’t much not to like about his game. He’ll need to gain a few pounds to be a successful tight end and if he does he could really blow up this summer. He already has offers from BYU, Utah and Utah State.

10. Tucker Scott: OL San Clemente High School (CA) 6’4″ 255 lbs

Tucker Scott is Cole Fotheringham’s teammate at San Clemente High School. They have both visited BYU on unofficial visits in the past. I could almost just change the position from Fotheringham’s explanation and copy it here. He’ll need to gain a few pounds to be a successful lineman and if he does he could really blow up this summer. He already has offers from BYU, Utah and Utah State.

11. Brandon Rice: RB Coppell High School (TX) 5’10” 200 lbs

Brandon Rice is the former high school teammate of BYU 2015 recruits Scott Huntsman and Charles West. Currently BYU is his only offer but that will change now that he’s not sharing time with West. With Coach Guy Holliday on him and the influence of close friends West and Huntsman I think that BYU is in the driver’s seat here.

12. **Garrett Bolles: OL Snow College (UT) 6’6″ 290 lbs**

BYU recruited Bolles when he was coming out of Westlake High School. He didn’t qualify upon graduation so he ended up at Snow College and BYU stayed on him there. He was the starting left tackle for a very good offensive line at Snow. He committed to BYU as soon as he got his offer and I would expect that he makes an immediate impact when he gets here.

13. **Skyler Southam: K Wasatch High School (UT) 6’1″ 180 lbs

Syler Southam is a kicker coming out of high school that will be on scholarship. I don’t know what more I can say. He’s got a big leg and was very accurate at Wasatch High School. I love it when kickers are good enough to earn a scholarship.

Sep 20, 2014; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars mascot Cosmo during the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Lavell Edwards Stadium. The Cougars won the game 41-33. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

14. Pookie Maka: DE/OLB Woods Cross High School (UT) 6’4″ 195 lbs

Pookie Maka is a talented defensive end/outside linebacker that is starting to see his recruitment pick up steam. BYU offered early on and recently Utah and Utah State have both offered the Woods Cross product. He’ll continue to rack up the offers as the summer goes on. I think he would be an exceptional fit in BYU’s defense.

15. Noah Kramer: DT Northridge High School (UT) 6’2″ 265 lbs

Noah Kramer is underrated and I think that he’s going to be a stud at the next level. He’s close friends with BYU signee Dayan Lake. Currently he holds a BYU offer and he is starting to hear from Utah and others. He’s recruitment will pick up steam and I can only hope that his relationship with Lake is the trump card. Kramer is one of my favorite prospects in this class.

16. Paul Finau: DT Juanita High School (WA) 6’2″ 290 lbs

Paul Finau has an older brother that plays for Washington so if the Huskies decide to pull the trigger on an offer that could have some sway, but currently, BYU is Finau’s only offer. The stout defensive tackle is built from the same mold as Teancum Fuga and Tevita Mounga.

17. Jonah Trinnaman: WR Snow College (UT) 6’0″ 185 lbs

I’m actually a little bit surprised that Jonah Trinnaman hasn’t committed to BYU yet. I really like his game. He was a standout receiver at Snow College. The American Fork product originally committed to Utah State out of high school before he ended up at Snow. I think he’ll pick up a couple more offers before his Snow career is over but I think, and hope, that he ends up in Provo.

18. Derrick Brown: DT Lanier High School (GA) 6’4″ 275 lbs

Derrick Brown has offers from just about every school in the SEC. He’s one of the best prospects in America. He had a lot of interest from BYU because he is LDS and has camped at BYU. Unfortunately, he already listed a list of his top schools and BYU was not on it. Brown grew up in Georgia and and is destined to play at one of the top schools in the country.

19. Boss Tagaloa: DT De La Salle High School (CA) 6’3″ 295 lbs

Boss Tagaloa is one of the top prospects in the country. BYU offered the talented lineman early on but many others have recently jumped on board. Like Brown, Tagaloa would be a huge steal for BYU, but at this point, it seems very unlikely that the Cougars will be in the mix.

20. Colton Durrant: DL/OL Sky View High School (UT) 6’2″ 255 lbs

Colton Durrant does not have an offer yet but he should soon. My parents grew up in Cache Valley and are both Sky View High School alums. I frequent Smithfield, UT so I have a little bit of a soft spot for guys from up there. But bias or no bias there is no debtating that Durrant is the real deal. I would expect BYU to offer this summer.

21. Bryce Mortenson: TE Sky View High School (UT) 6’6″ 210 lbs

Bryce Mortenson has not been offered by BYU yet but I can’t imagine that we get through the summer without him getting an offer. Like Durrant, Moretenson is from Sky View High School. Nobody will outwork Mortenson and that is ultimately why I think he’d be such a good fit as a Cougar.

22. Jackson Kaufusi: OLB Brighton High School (UT) 6’2″ 185 lbs

Jackson Kaufusi is the latest Kaufusi to receive BYU’s attention. He’s the cousin of Bronson, Corbin and Devin and the little brother of Isaiah. He’s a talented player and a real key in Brighton’s defense. He’s not as highly touted as some of his other Brighton teammates but don’t let that fool you, he’s the real deal.

23. Loa Kaufusi: TE East High School (UT) 6’4″ 220 lbs

Loa Kaufusi is an elite tight end. His recruitment is going to go crazy. BYU hasn’t offered but many others have. Frankly, I don’t think it matters whether the East High School prospect gets a BYU offer or not because I think he’ll head out of state to a big name school.

24. Ali’i Niumatalolo: LB Broadneck High School (MD) 6’2 220 lbs

Ali’i Niumatalolo is the son of Navy Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo and the brother of current BYU linebacker Va’a Niumatalolo. He’s got a lot of BYU connections and has visited the campus several times. BYU hasn’t pulled the trigger yet, but I think that they will over the summer when he comes to camps. Niumatalolo is receiving attention from a number of different schools but it’s hard for me to imagine somewhere that isn’t Provo.

25. Braxton Gunther: DB Woods Cross High School (UT) 6’0 185 lbs

Braxton Gunther is 25th on this list, but he’s one of my favorite prospects of the class. He does not have an offer yet but I think that he will get one soon. He’ll need to put on some size before he can make a huge impact but he is a good athlete with a good motor.

Remember These Names

Samson Nacua: WR Timpview High School (UT) 6’3″ 170 lbs

Fua Pututau: DE/OLB Cottonwood High School (UT) 6’3″ 230 lbs

Chase Hughes: LB Bishop Guertin High School (NH) 6’1″ 205 lbs

Alec Simpson: LB Pallisades High School (CA) 6’3″ 205 lbs

Toleafoa Sean Auwae: OL Kapolei High School (HI) 6’4″ 280 lbs

Simote Lokotui: DB Bingham High School (UT) 6’2″ 170 lbs

Tre Miller: DB/RB Dixie High School (UT) 6’1″ 205 lbs

As all BYU fans know, defensive backs come at a premium in Provo. Bronco’s defense needs great outside linebackers and smart safeties. BYU always stocks up on elite linebackers prospects but defensive backs are harder to find. Hirkley Latu is already committed but looks like he may grow into an outside linebacker. If the Cougars can land the likes of Drew Jensen, Ben Sukut and Troy Warner then they are going to have really good safeties for a really long time.

Oct 24, 2014; Boise, ID, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Brigham Young Cougars defensive line coach Steve Kaufusi looks on prior to the game against the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

This list also features a number of good defensive line players that are going to be players. As always, the trenches will be a focal point of this class. BYU will need to get a couple of offensive and defensive linemen in this class. What we don’t see much of on this list is players on the offensive side of the ball. That will change, obviously, as the year progresses.

The thing that stands out most to me, however, is the amount of players from Utah on this list. Once again BYU is going to have to battle Utah, Utah State and a whole lot of schools from other states for the talent coming out of the state of Utah in 2016. There are some elite players once again and we’re going to continue to see more out of state schools next year.

Again, this list is going to change a whole lot over the next few months but I think that this is a decent start. Some of these guys have offers already and others will likely receive offers this summer when the camp circuit starts. If BYU can fill up their 2016 class with 20-25 of these guys then we are looking at another really, really good class.

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