Jay Hill Believes Some of BYU's Best Players on Defense Will Join the Program in the Summer

On Saturday, BYU wrapped up the 15th and final practice of Spring camp. One of the top storylines of camp was the progression of the defense in the second year under defensive coordinator Jay Hill. After practice, Hill met with the media to discuss the status of his defense coming out of Spring camp. When asked about the depth on defense, Hill explained that some of BYU's best players still haven't joined the program yet.

"The one thing right now with the way recruiting went last year, we feel some of our best players are still going to join us," Hill said. "It's going to create a lot more competition. If you're recruiting the right way, that's how it's always going to be. There's always going to be competition coming in. It's the starters jobs to hold on their jobs and play great and it's the backups' jobs to beat them out. We're looking forward to some increased compeition with those guys coming in."

BYU, especially on the defensive side, had one of the best closes of a recruiting class in recent history. In December, BYU picked up commitments from coveted recruits like Ephraim Asiata, Sani Tuala, Viliami Po'uha, Danny Saili, Luke To'omalatai, and Jack Kelly. Asiata, Po'uha, Saili, and Kelly already joined the program in time for Spring camp. Four other defensive signees from the 2024 class are expected to join the program in time for Fall camp.

• Jonathan Kabeya - Cornerback
• Sani Tuala - Defensive end
• Faletau Satuala - Safety
• Sefo Akuila - Linebacker/Defensive End
• Naki Tuakoi - Defensive End
• Luke To'omalatai - Defensive tackle
• Matthias Leach - Safety

Another handful of returned missionaries will join the defense.

• Nathan Hoke - LB
• Cannon DeVries - S