BYU hasn’t been shy about its want so as to add defensive transfers earlier than it joins the Large 12 subsequent season. Head coach Kalani Sitake estimated this system will add a few items after spring observe to spice up its expertise stage.
A kind of gamers BYU is keying in on is former Utah State linebacker AJ Vongphachanh. With one yr of eligibility remaining, Vongphachanh might add speedy manufacturing at linebacker and has the flexibility to assist at edge rusher. He led the Aggies in tackles final season with 101 (36 of these being solo tackles).
Vongphachanh, who entered the NCAA Switch portal final week, confirmed BYU has reached out to him. He has additionally been recruited by Washington State, Minnesota, Texas A&M, Miami and Louisville.
“By means of this course of, I’m simply listening to everybody out and what their plan is for me,” Vongphachanh informed The Tribune. “As a result of, you realize, that’s crucial factor for me, not going into a spot that doesn’t want me. That’s the very first thing, simply in search of a spot in want of [my] place after which going from there.”
Vongphachanh has been a full-time starter in Logan for the final two years. He initially went to Utah State as a defensive finish, however then transitioned to linebacker due to a group want. Since then, he has bounced round positions. He settled at insider linebacker the final two years.
For BYU, there’s a want at linebacker. Exterior of Ben Bywater and Max Tooley, BYU doesn’t have confirmed manufacturing on the place after Keenan Pili (a switch to Tennessee) and Payton Wilgar (who hopes to be an NFL prospect) left this system. Proper now, BYU is enjoying a trio of freshmen throughout spring observe.
At edge rusher, too, BYU might add depth. It has already dipped into the switch portal to get Isaiah Bagnah out of Boise State, however any further assist could be welcomed.
Notably, Vongphachanh has a relationship with new BYU linebackers coach Justin Ena. Ena recruited him out of highschool at Utah State when Ena was the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach there. He was on employees in Logan throughout Vongphachanh’s freshman and sophomore seasons.
“I’ve had a reasonably good relationship previously with him,” he stated.
Vongphachanh doesn’t have a timeline for his recruitment. He stated he could be open to enjoying in any scheme.
“I do need to get it executed before later,” he stated. “I’m not the sort to maintain stringing it out. However, you realize, I need to ensure that I’m making the most effective determination attainable.”