BYU football: Khyiris Tonga eligible, ready to make an impact

BYU football got some good news this week, with defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga becoming eligible. The big bodied Tonga is ready to make an impact.

BYU football’s defensive line is one of the position groups surrounded by questions. While most were of the thought that the Cougars’ d-line would be improved from last season, things are looking even better for BYU football now.

With Kesni Tausinga and Handsome Tanielu as the upperclassmen leaders, Solomone Wolfgramm and Tevita Mo’unga providing depth and Lorenzo Fauatea making great strides, BYU football was already in good shape.

Now, with the addition of Khyiris Tonga, the Cougars are in even better shape.

Tonga has been the subject of a ton of discussion, easily becoming the subject of tons of hype.

It isn’t hard to see why. Kalani Sitake has already confirmed Tonga will be on the field in week one. While Tonga probably won’t unseat Tausinga and Tanielu as a starter, he’ll be on the field plenty for the Cougars.

Ever since BYU football got gassed against Utah last season, Sitake and Ilaisa Tuiaki have used a diligent d-line rotation. Tonga will be playing plenty of meaningful snaps all year long.

Tonga was a versatile athlete in high school, playing on both the offensive and defensive lines at Granger High School (UT). So he’s a quality athlete in the middle of the line. He moved quite well in high school.

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At 6-foot-4, 340-pounds, Tonga has ideal size for a defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense.

Tonga was a three-star recruit coming out of high school in 2014. Originally a Utah commit, Tonga flipped to BYU football on Signing Day.

The Cougars are just a few days away from taking on Portland State in Provo. We’ll keep an eye out for Tonga – but it won’t be too hard to spot the massive playmaker.