BYU football: 5 Newcomers who will make an immediate impact in 2018
By Ron Jensen
Wayne Tei-Kirby, Defensive Tackle
Another Highland Ram from Pocatello, Tei-Kirby was a 3-star recruit according to Rivals, espn.com, and Scout. He signed with Oregon out of high school, and as a true freshman played in nine games and recorded 11 tackles for the Ducks during the 2016 season.
Tei-Kirby also made the decision to come to Provo. Just like Hoge, he was not eligible to play for the Cougars in the 2017 season. The 6’3 305-pound sophomore is raring to go and prepared to make his mark on BYU football.
The interior of the defensive line takes some hits with the departure of seniors Handsome Tanielu and Kesni Tausinga. Tei-Kirby should earn a starting position, and like his former teammate, be a considerable improvement.
BYU Cougars Football
Jeremiah Ieremia, Linebacker
Ieremia was proclaimed a 3-star prospect by Rivals, espn.com, and Scout back in 2015. The Hurricane High graduate just returned from a mission to South Africa.
The 6’1 250-pound true freshman is good. Scary good! One look at his highlights two years ago had me convinced that he was an incredible talent.
The linebacking corps has lost Fred Warner, and Matt Hadley’s future is uncertain as he attempts to gain a medical redshirt from the NCAA. Even with Butch Pau’u returning, I believe Ieremia is too good to not be on the field this fall. In my opinion, the more time, the better!
Hirkley Latu, Linebacker
Latu is another extremely gifted athlete that is vying for time at linebacker. Scout, 247 Sports, and Rivals all agreed that he was a 3-star recruit in 2015.
The Kahuku, Hawaii native recently returned from his two-year mission to Atlanta, Georgia. This speedy 6’3 230-pound athlete should compete for one of the outside linebacker roles.
Like Ieremia, he’ll have a little rust to shake off, but with the spring and fall ahead of him, should have time to do so. If he does, expect him to be on the field a lot this coming season, and making a big difference for the Cougar defense.