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BYU Football Secondary Position Preview: Depth and Experience on Display

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the Cougars continue their third week of fall camp practices, the defensive secondary has emerged as a key component of the team's defensive unit. Led by Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Jay Hill, the group boasts a wealth of experience and depth, with multiple returning starters and highly-touted prospects looking to make an impact in the 2025 season.

Key Takeaways:

  • The secondary room is deep with experienced players, including Academic All-American Tanner Wall, who returns for his senior season after starting 13 games at safety last year.
  • Returning safeties include Raider Damuni, Talan Alfrey, and Matthias Leach, who all played significant roles in 2024.
  • The cornerbacks position also returns experienced starters, including Mory Bamba, who has started six games and made 17 tackles last season.
  • The group welcomes highly-touted prospects, including Faletau Satuala and Tommy Prassas, who both played in 12 and 13 games, respectively, as true freshmen in 2024.
  • Coach Hill has elevated Gavin Fowler to Assistant Safeties Coach, bringing a total of 10 years of coaching experience to the staff.
  • Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Cornerbacks Coach Jernaro Gilford returns for his 10th year on the staff, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position.

Statistics:

  • Tanner Wall has played in 31 career games and started 13 games at safety last season.
  • Raider Damuni started the final two games of the 2024 season and has appeared in 23 games in his career.
  • Mory Bamba has made 22 appearances in his Cougar career, including six starts at corner last season.
  • Faletau Satuala played in 12 games as a true freshman in 2024.
  • Tommy Prassas appeared in 13 games as a true freshman in 2024.
  • The team has 12 incoming freshmen, including Cannon Devries and Jordyn Criss, who join the safety and corner rooms, respectively.

Sources:

  • [BYU Athletics] "BYU Football begins third week of fall camp practices"
  • [BYU Football] "Secondary Position Preview"

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