BYU football: Daniel Sorensen likely to start for Kansas City Chiefs

Former BYU football defensive back Daniel Sorensen is looking at an expanded role in Kansas City after Eric Berry ruptured his Achilles.

Daniel Sorensen suited up for BYU football from 2008, 2011-13 and was a defensive leader for the Cougars.

During his time in Provo he had 211 total tackles and eight interceptions. Following the 2013 season he signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now in his fourth NFL season, Sorensen may be starting for the Chiefs, after All-Pro safety Eric Berry ruptured his Achilles tendon in week one against the New England Patriots.

According to the Kansas City Star, Sorensen and Eric Murray are the two likely candidates to split time at safety.

Last season, Sorensen played in nearly 50 percent of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps – so I’d put money on Sorensen locking down the spot.

At the same time, he also moves all over the field. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid (also a BYU football alum) told the KC Star that “Sorensen plays all over the place.”

Reid isn’t wrong. Sorensen plays a pseudo-linebacker role in passing situations in addition to safety on typical downs. There were times last season when Sorensen lined up next to Berry defensively.

Last week against New England, the former Cougar played the third-most snaps among Kansas City safeties.

It’s never easy when a team leader goes down – and that’s unquestionably what Berry is to the Chiefs. He’ll be tough to replace fully.

But, as a BYU football fan, it’s exciting to know that Sorensen is going to get more run. He’s a talented and capable player. While there aren’t many safeties better than Berry, I expect Sorensen to play admirably in his absence.