BYU football: Predicting the Cougars’ 2017 MVP

Fred Warner, Linebacker

There are rumors wildly swirling that linebacker Francis Bernard will be suspended for the entire 2017 season – or at least a large chunk of it.

If this turns out to be true (for what it’s worth, I spoke to a source close to BYU football and they claimed they hadn’t heard anything about a possible suspension), it’s bad news for the Cougars.

But until BYU sheds any light on this situation, we have to operate in the hypothetical. So, if Bernard is out, there will be even more pressure on Fred Warner.

A captain and future NFL player, Warner is a sure tackler and solid in coverage. He – along with Butch Pau’u – will need to pick up some extra slack. Warner is more than capable of doing that and he’ll be one of BYU football’s top players.

Sione Takitaki, Linebacker/Stud

BYU football needed a more consistent pass rush last season. With Takitaki back on the field, the Cougars have a player who can get after the quarterback.

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You can read a full breakdown of Takitaki’s presence here, but it breaks down like this: He’s going to harass opposing quarterbacks, which will force sacks, errant throws and turnovers.

Takitaki’s addition will open things up for other BYU defensive linemen and linebackers, too. Don’t be surprised to see the Cougars’ sack numbers increase in a big way – and you only need to look to Takitaki to see why.