Key Contributors on BYU's Defense Are Expected to be Healthy in Time for Fall Camp

On Saturday, Kalani Sitake and the BYU football program 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 addressed the injury statuses of multiple players that are expected to contribute this Fall.

When asked about injuries to Micah Harper, Siale Esera, Marque Collins, and Ben Bywater, Hill said he expects everyone back. "Micah [Harper], Siale [Esera], Tanner Wall. All those guys that were not taking reps in the Spring we expect to have those guys back...Ephraim [Asiata] will be back for sure."

Hill clarified that the return timeline for star linebacker Ben Bywater is still to be determined. "There are some guys that might linger into the first part of camp, but we should have them all back," Hill said. "Ben Bywater he's still a little wait and see when we get him back."

Getting Harper, Esera, Collins, Wall, Bywater, and Asiata back on the field will be a major boost for the 2024 BYU defense. Micah Harper was arguably the most physical player on BYU's defense in 2022 before he suffered a knee injury that prevented him from playing in 2023. Harper was the first injury in what became a string of injuries at the safety spot. After Harper, who was projected to start, went down, backup Talan Alfrey suffered an injury late in Fall Camp that kept him out for most of the season. In the absecne of Harper and Alfrey, BYU turned to converted wide receiver Tanner Wall. Wall played well in September before suffering a season-ending injury of his own. The Cougars turned to young players like Raider Damuni, Preston Rex, and others to fill their shoes. Since there were so many injuries at safety last season, BYU returns a long list of safeties with game experience.

True freshman linebacker Siale Esera was a standout performer in limited reps last season before he suffered an injury that kept him out for the month of November. When Esera is healthy, he's one of the most talented players on BYU's roster.

Ben Bywater was a critical member of BYU's defense last season before he suffered a season-ending injury in the Big 12 opener against Kansas. After Bywater's injury, BYU's defense never really returned to form. If Bywater is healthy, he's a no-brainer to start at linebacker.

Ephraim Asiata is a true freshman that enrolled early to participate in Spring camp. Asiata impressed during his limited time on the field, but an injury kept him off out for the back half of camp. Hill confirmed that Asiata "will be back for sure" in time for Fall camp.