In 2024, BYU finished the season as the Big 12's top defensive unit, shocking the country in a rapid turnaround during Jay Hill's second season as defensive coordinator.
One of the biggest welcomed surprises was the play of Tanner Wall, a former walk-on wide receiver, who started every game at safety on rout to an 11-2 record.
Wall spoke to the media after BYU's final spring practice to give an update BYU's secondary and what the defense will look like in year three under Hill.
Replacing Jakob Robinson
Last season, BYU's secondary was outstanding, finishing the season with the most interceptions per game in the country, with 22 interceptions over 13 games.
But now that starting lockdown corners Jakob Robinson and Marque Collins have graduated, BYU will have to return to its relatively more inexperienced cornerbacks to fill in their holes. Wall spoke to which players shined brightest during spring practice.
"The young guy who's really impressed me has been Jonathan Kabeya," Wall said. "I think he will fill [Robinson's] shoes very well as a great player ... I'm really excited to see him make big plays in games next season."
Wall also highlighted Evan Johnson, Mory Bamba and Tre Alexander lll as players that he "trusts" to be on the field.
Staying steady at the linebacker position
Luckily for the BYU's secondary, it will be playing behind the elite linebacker trio of Jack Kelly, Isaiah Glasker and Harrison Taggart for the second year in a row. Last year, this trio was arguably the best of any BYU position group. Having a steady force to rely on when the secondary will see some new faces is massive.
"It's a lot of fun being out there with Jack [Kelly]," Wall said. "He's such a playmaker, he's a freak athlete.
"[Kelly, Taggart and Glasker] playing all next to each other, that's an elite core and I'm really excited to see what they produce and what they do on the field."
Wall noted that having those three at linebacker makes his job "a lot easier," and that they are one of the best linebacker groups that BYU has ever had.
Area of concern: defensive line
As far as the defensive line, which lost key pieces like Tyler Batty, Isaiah Bagnah, Blake Mangelson and John Nelson, younger players — and one transfer — will have to step up.
"One of the reasons why we had so many turnovers last year and so many interceptions was how disruptive our D-line was," Wall said. "Those younger guys stepping up ... they have big shoes to fill.
"I've been impressed with Keanu [Tanuvasa]," Wall added.
Tanuvasa, a transfer from Utah, was the only player on the defensive line that Wall brought up. This unit will have a lot of work to do to get on par with last year's group.
Wall's final season at BYU
Wall, who finished with a career high three interceptions last season, has high goals for his final collegiate season with the Cougars.
"Last season was huge for us in building our confidence and giving us an understanding of our ceiling," Wall said. "We know that we're a championship-caliber team. We have the talent, we have the scheme, we have the coaching, we have all the resources. Everything in the equation is there for us, it's just our job to go out there and execute."
Wall's words echoed the sentiment of all the other players throughout the Cougars' spring practice. A national championship is the goal for this squad, and the players believe that they are more than capable of achieving just that.