BYU football’s senior defenders lead top ranked defense

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Ezekiel Ansah #47 – Linebacker

After beginning his career at BYU on the track team, Ezekiel “Ziggy” switched to football. In his first two seasons, Ansah had 10 total tackles. As a senior Ansah has been dominant, amassing 44 tackles and four sacks through nine games. Ansah is majoring in actuarial science with a minor in math.

Robbie Buckner #26 – Defensive back

Defensive back Robbie Buckner has been a steady contributor to the Cougar defense. In his four years, Bucker has registered seven tackles and a pass break up. Buckner is majoring in landscape management.

Ian Dulan #39 – Defensive line

Throughout his career at BYU, Ian Dulan has helped been a solid contributor on the defensive line. Dulan has 51 tackles including five and a half sacks. He also has one forced fumble and has recovered two fumbles. Dulan is majoring in leisure services management.

DeQuan Everett #21 – Defensive back

DeQuan Everett came to BYU from Cerritos Community College. After redshirting in 2010, Everett has played in six games for the Cougars. In the six games Everett has played, he has recorded two tackles. Everett is majoring in global studies.

Romney Fuga #98 – Defensive line

The Cougar run defense has been one of the nations best this year and Romney Fuga has been right in the middle of it. Fuga has started in the middle of the Cougars defensive line since 2009 and contributed 122 tackles and three sacks. Fuga is majoring in organizational behavior/HR management.

Preston Hadley #7 – Defensive back

Since his transfer to BYU from Snow College, Preston Hadley has been a staple in the defensive backfield. Hadley has been creditited with 97 tackles and 20 pass break ups. Even though he spends most of the  game guarding opposing wide recievers, Hadley has gotten into the backfield and registered five and a half tackles for loss in his career. Hadley is majoring in communications.

Mike Hague #32 – Defensive back

Mkie Hague began his career as a running back before switching to defensive back after his mission. As a running back, Hague rushed for 156 yards on 21 carries including an 87-yard touchdown run to help the Cougars beat UNLV. Hague has recorded 20 tackles playing in the backfield and on special teams. Hague is majoring in leisure services management.

Austen Jorgensen #34 – Linebacker

In the 37 games he’s played in, Austen Jorgensen has contributed to one of the most dominating linebacking rotations in the nation. Jorgensen has recorded 61 tackles including two for a loss. During his sophomore season Jorgensen also recorded a sack. Jorgensen is majoring in landscape management.

Uona Kaveinga #4-Linebacker

Uona Kaveinga’s college football career began at USC. During his time with the Trojans, Kaveinga recorded five tackles in 16 games. In his 22 games since coming to BYU, the senior linebacker has recorded 92 tackles. Eight and a half of his tackles were for a loss. Kaveinga is majoring in American studies.

Eathyn Manumaleuna #55 – Defensive line

Eathyn Manumaleuna has been a starter on the defensive line since he returned from his mission. The senior won his way into the hearts of Cougar fans as a freshman when he blocked a UCLA field goal to preserve a victory in the 2007 Las Vegas Bowl. He has recorded 96 tackles and five and a half sacks in his career.

Brandon Ogletree #44 – Linebacker

As one of the team captains, Brandon has been a dependable leader on the field. Ogletree has 216 tackles as one of BYU’s middle linebackers. He has also forced three fumbles and recovered two of them. The Cougar defense will miss his energy and leadership. Ogletree is majoring in American studies.

Joe Sampson #1 – Defensive back

Since transferring to BYU from the College of San Mateo, defensive back Joe Sampson has been one of BYU’s key playmakers. In his first year Sampson recorded a sack, an interception and fumble. The senior has also recorded 56 tackles playing in the defensive secondary for the Cougars.

Russell Tialavea #52 – Defensive line

Russell Tialavea has been a constant on the BYU football team since head coach Bronco Mendenhall became took the position in 2005. The senior has given opposing offensive lines fits. Tialavea has recorded 62 tackles and six and a half of those tackles have been for a loss.Tialavea has also made his presence felt on special teams, blocking a combined five field goals.

Simote Vea #93 – Defensive line

During his four years at BYU, Simote Vea has been a valued member of the BYU special teams and defense. In his 24 games as a Cougar, Vea has recorded nine tackles, including one sack and two tackles for a loss. The Hawaii native is majoring in economics.

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