BYU football: Cougars auditioning replacements on D-line

PROVO — Over the past few seasons, Jan Jorgensen, Brett Denney and Russell Tialavea were fixtures on BYU's defensive line.

They've all moved on, and during spring drills, which concluded last weekend, defensive line coach Steve Kaufusi's main task was developing new starters to help anchor the Cougars' 3-4 defensive scheme.

"It was kind of fun last year because Jan, Brett and Russell had been around, they were consistent, they understood the scheme and they knew what was expected and there was good leadership," Kaufusi said. "They're gone, so now we've got guys who have to step up. They were great examples for the younger guys. We're trying to work with them individually, trying to get them to play at the level that Jan, Brett and Russell played at."

For now, junior left end Matt Putnam, junior nose tackle Romney Fuga and senior right end Vic So'oto — who backed up Denney, Tialavea, and Jorgensen a year ago — have stepped into those vacated spots. All three have logged significant playing time during their careers.

The D-line will be bolstered by the return of Eathyn Manumaleuna, who returned a couple of weeks ago from a mission. He is at home in Alaska with his family and will report to campus soon to begin summer conditioning, Kaufusi said.

Manumaleuna became part of BYU lore, as a true freshman, when he blocked a last-second field goal to preserve a 17-16 victory over UCLA in the 2007 Las Vegas Bowl.

"Eathyn's got a few months to get in shape and hopefully help us in the fall," Kaufusi said. "I told him, 'Hey, Romney Fuga got back (from a mission) last year on June 29. He only had one month to get ready for fall camp. You've got a lot more time to work with.'"

The Cougars also boast several young, untested players who are vying for playing time. Among those who have received reps this spring is redshirt freshman Thomas Bryson out of Layton High. Bryson signed with BYU in 2009 but was sidelined last season due to shoulder surgery. "Thomas Bryson has been one of the bright spots of this spring," said coach Bronco Mendenhall...

Kaufusi is confident about what the younger players bring to the defense.

"I just tell all of them, 'Right now, you're all in the same boat. I haven't seen any of you jump ahead.' It keeps them hungry. If they work hard, we'll see how it works out."

During spring drills, the D-line has been facing a veteran BYU offensive line.

"That helps elevate (the defensive line's) game. They have to find ways to win the physical battles," Kaufusi said. "They get tossed around and I'm OK with that. It's just part of becoming a tough player."

In the fall, four freshmen D-linemen who signed with BYU in February will join the program — Travis Tuiloma, Graham Rowley, Tayo Fabuluje and Jordan Afo.

Another prospect, Bronson Kaufusi (Steve Kaufusi's son), is departing for a mission, while Alani Fua is expected to play on offense or switch to linebacker.

e-mail: jeffc@desnews.com