BYU Football Countdown: Player 56

2 of 2

SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 20: Cierre Wood #20 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish breaks away from Daniel Sorensen #9 of the BYU Courgars at Notre Dame Stadium on October 20, 2012 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

No. 56 Daniel Sorensen – Defensive Back – 2008, 2011-2013

There are some players for BYU that have been really good while in college but then they become stars in the NFL. Daniel Sorensen is one of these players. While no doubtingly a great player while at BYU, I don’t believe anyone saw the NFL career that he now has in his future at the time.

Part of that may be because he played alongside Kyle Van Noy, Ezekiel Ansah and Kai Nacua players who made more highlight reels and were popular among fans. If we take a step back however, and look at Sorensen’s career, we quickly realize that he is undoubtedly one of the best players of BYU ever, which earns him the No. 56 spot in the countdown.

Rankings

Impact A-

Sorensen played at a time when the BYU defense was elite. Yes, BYU defense was elite at one time. In fact, the defense ranked in the top 15 in just about every major category overall from 2010-2013. A big part of that can be credited to Sorensen. When offenses don’t feel like they can throw the long ball because of a disciplined safety, the playbook becomes a bunch of 6-10 yard passes and running. Alongside a strong defensive line and good linebackers to keep that game tough as well, Sorensen protected the deep threats being a key piece in the best defensive teams BYU ever had.

Statistics B-

From a statistics standpoint, and if not considered with the rest of the team, Sorensen does not appear to be a top 60 player. But again, Sorensen had such a good defense around him, that normally he didn’t have time to get to runner or get in the backfield because Ansah or Van Noy were already there. Still, he managed 215 tackles, eight interceptions, one touchdown, 11.5 tackles for loss, 23.5 pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

Memorable Moments B

Sorensen was a solid player who did what he was supposed to do. His interceptions were always a bit flashy with one of them being a tip to himself interception against San Jose State. Against Georgia Tech Sorensen not oln had an interception but also a forced fumble to go with his eight tackles. Overall, his play wasn’t memorable in itself, but being part of the best defense ever at BYU is very memorable, especially when he was one of the stars that is remembered on those teams.

Home/BYU Cougars