“I thought today was a very good day,” Hill said. “There was a lot of physicality, which I thought was good. We had a lot of our best players take reps today, which I thought was huge. We stayed relatively healthy…and I thought we were physical upfront against the run game, which was a huge bonus…So there’s a lot of good there and I see the depth building, which is a huge part of camp.”

Hill was quick to mention that his defense still has a lot of work to do in order to form into a productive unit, but is generally pleased with the direction overall.

Regarding the effort to build depth, Hill ran down all his position groups, providing insight into what’s currently being developed.

Safety

Hill raved about senior safety Tanner Wall, who will undoubtedly again anchor the Cougar’s back line of defense this season.

“Tanner Wall continues to be Tanner Wall,” Hill said. “I continue to trust him so much and he’s the guy who always seems to be in the right spot at the right time.”

Hill went on to mention five safeties on the roster he feels comfortable employing during game time situations, with two others “knocking on the door to join that five.”

Regarding Hill’s top five safeties, he specifically mentioned sophomore Tommy Prassas, sophomore Faletau Satuala and junior Raider Damuni as top options that he could perhaps employ in a unique three-safety alignment this season.

Defensive Line

Time and again Hill mentioned satisfaction with his defense’s physicality in the run game, which of course begins up front at the point of attack. Leading the charge upfront is junior Keanu Tanuvasa, along with senior John Taumoepeau and junior Anisi Purcell, all of who participated fully during Saturday’s scrimmage, with the continued hope to add Oklahoma State transfer Justin Kirkland, who is currently being held out with injury.

Hill also mentioned sophomore Viliami Po’uha and junior Bodie Schoonover as two defensive ends who could slide inside and take reps at defensive tackle, much like both Blake Mangleson and John Nelson did so effectively throughout last season.

As far as defensive end goes, Hill is excited about the potential of an improved pass rush this season.

“Our pass rush looks different right now than it did last year,” Hill said. “We have some dynamic guys off the edge. Some of those young bucks we recruited our first year I was here are starting to show up and I can’t wait to watch them in a game because the pass rush looks good right now.”

The BYU roster is chock full of defensive ends, and even though Hill didn’t mention anyone specifically, standouts have included sophomore Ephraim Asiata, sophomore Texas transfer Tausili Akana, freshman Utah transfer Hunter Clegg and freshman Nusi Taumoepeau, among others.

Linebacker

It’s well-assumed that BYU’s linebackers, and indeed the entire defense, will be led by junior Isaiah Glasker, senior Jack Kelly at outside linebacker and sophomore Siale Esera in the middle. But who will add necessary depth is being addressed effectively during preseason practice sessions.

“I think there’s eight deep that we can win with right now,” Hill said regarding the depth at linebacker. “Do I think all eight are ready to go right now? No, but they’ve shown signs, either athletically or whatever it is that whatever it is, that if one of (the starters) go down that we’ll be alright.”

Hill specifically pointed out senior Choe Bryant-Strother, sophomore Ace Kaufusi, junior Utah State transfer Max Alford, and freshman Pierson Watson as players who have stood out with the disclaimer that at least one player may have escaped his mind at the moment.

Cornerback

At cornerback Hill mentioned senior Mory Bamba, junior Evan Johnson and sophomore Therrian Alexander as the three who have risen to the top of the depth chart.

“(Beyond those three) we need someone else to step up,” Hill said. “I like those three guys, but we got to have more than three. I can say that I’ve seen flashes from Marcus McKenzie, and I thought Jonathan Kabeya had a great spring, but we need someone else to step up.”

BYU entered its third full week of practices on Monday in preparation for the 2025 season opener versus Portland State on August 30.