BYU football: Three defensive players to watch during spring ball

Keanu Saleapaga, Freshman Defensive End

Saleapaga was ranked the No. 9 defensive end in California before signing with BYU football, and he’s a name Cougar fans should be excited about.

He’s got great speed for being 6-foot-5 and 270-pounds. He uses his arms well when engaged with an offensive lineman and he’s very explosive out of his stance. The Cougars used a patchwork rotation of defensive linemen last season, and I think Saleapaga could factor into the lineup early for Kalani Sitake and Ilaisa Tuiaki. He might also factor in at the defensive tackle spot – but he seems to be much more comfortable playing the pass than playing the run.