Siale Esera makes strong statements regarding the Cougar's defensive potential

PROVO — The early film footage released from BYU practices has displayed a bunch of defensive havoc, mostly in the form of forced turnovers.

Sure, the offense has had its share of moments, too, but the work put in by the defense has at least one BYU defensive player brimming over the top with confidence.

"Our defense is solid. We're second to no one," Esera said in an interview conducted with Ben Criddle on ESPN The Fan. "I feel like we're going to be the first in every single category this year. Our defense is just outstanding and we've come so far. … Last year, we showed you how good we were; and this year, it's only going to get better."

It's an effusive statement, sure, and probably more than coaches would prefer, but the unbridled enthusiasm expressed is palpable and not entirely unjustified.

Consider what the Cougars have returning on a defense that closed out a very strong 2024 campaign. Gone are standouts Jakob Robinson and Tyler Batty, but returning are top players like linebackers Jack Kelly, Isaiah Glasker and Harrison Taggart, along with safety Tanner Wall, among several others.

What is notable is BYU's group of linebackers, which headline any talk of returning talent surrounding this Cougars defense. Add in some incoming and developing talent and Esera's comments, while probably still too hyperbolic, aren't completely unfounded.

Battling through

As for Esera, he showed a strong glimpse of what he can do during BYU's resounding 36-14 win over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl.

Late in the game, the 6-foot-3, 245-pound linebacker tracked down Buffaloes quarterback Shadeur Sanders from behind for a sack just before Sanders appeared poised to break the pocket for a big gain. As such, Esera showed off his athleticism and upside as a key playmaker for the Cougars defense.

But due to adverse circumstances, the Timpview High product spent most of the 2024 with sparse playing time and little contribution.

It's not optimal to begin any season coming off an injury sustained the year prior, and for Esera, it was a lisfranc injury to his foot that slowed his progress. It also hampered his participation in the 2024 fall practice session when coaches were looking to replace Ben Bywater.

"I really wasn't 100% full-go before the season … but I slowly progressed," Esera said. "Kind of around midseason, I felt really, really good, but I didn't want to take any chances."

Lisfranc injuries are complicated and can linger far longer than anticipated, and such was the case for Esera, who was subsequently relegated to bench duty while sophomore linebacker Harrison Taggert thrived in taking the lead at middle linebacker.

But with every week, Esera saw improvement.

"The last few games of the season they just cut me loose," Esera said. "I got to play a lot in the last game of the season and it was fun. … I was able to let loose and not think of my injury anymore. Once I started playing, I just caught that adrenaline rush and the passion of the game just kicked in."

Full go in spring and depth chart

Esera now feels that his injury issues are behind him and he's seeing full participation during spring practice. The redshirt sophomore is a big part of a relatively talented middle linebacking group which includes junior Taggart, who was a standout last season, true freshman Tyler Payne and redshirt freshman Naki Tuakoi, all of whom bring with them sterling recruiting credentials.

Esera believes BYU's linebacking corps can compete with anyone in the nation with regards to overall play. While he may do well to pump the brakes on such statements, there's little question the Cougars will present a load of talent and good experience at linebacker this season.

Administering all of it is linebacker coach Justin Ena, who Esera expressed high praise.

"He'll always push you to be the best you," Esera said. "I feel that's what he prides himself with. He won't sugarcoat anything. He'll tell you straight up the truth and that's all I need. I don't like beating around the bush too much. He's direct and right to the point."

As for his own development, Esera is mindful of the daily process and working to be his best self while taking careful notes.

"I just want to give it everything I got and just continue to learn," Esera said. "I never want to settle where I'm at right now and listen to the coaches, because they have many more years of experience than I do."

Early impressions

When asked to identify newcomers who have impressed him through the early weeks of spring practice, Esera pointed out Utah transfer defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa, who has already established himself as a team leader, along with sophomore defensive lineman Viliami Po'uha and sophomore Sani Tuala, among others.

As far as offensive players serving notice this spring, Esera pointed out former Timpview teammate Sione Moa, who saw strong contributions last season at the running back position.

"He's a very strong runner and I've known that dude for a long time," Esera said. "When he runs up that gap, you've got to be prepared to take on (a lot). So you've got to make sure you fill that gap well when he comes up. He's been really, really good."

Expectations

BYU's best defenses always feature standout linebackers, and the Cougars currently present a plethora of returning and upcoming talent at the position. It's a group that mirrors the 2006 defense where BYU showcased talent across the board, with talents like David Nixon, Cameron Jense and Bryan Kehl, among others.

This year's group will do well to match the play of that 2006 group; although, the potential is certainly there with Esera ready to provide a substantial boost.

What stands out about Esera is his extraordinary physicality he presents with his relatively large frame while maintaining a level of athleticism to drop in coverage and play in space.

It's a potent combination, and now that he appears fully healthy, he should be able to work very well in tandem with Taggart in giving the Cougars the type of solid middle inherent with most dominant defensive units.

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