But any 12-game season is an arduous undertaking that often brings about a lot of attrition through all position groups. The teams that can best withstand the eventual attrition that accompanies most football seasons almost always are the teams found on top of the rankings at season’s end.

In short, it’s imperative that BYU approaches the season with good established depth at each position. Through media observations and coaching interviews, several somewhat obscure names have jumped out over the course of fall practice session as options that can perhaps fill in effectively if the call comes.

Here’s a look at the defensive groups and some of the players have stood out so far this fall as players who can provide solid depth this coming season.

Defensive backs

Therrian Alexander (6-2, 175 So.) and Jayden Dunlap (6-0, 185 Sr.) are the two most-likely names to appear on the two-deep roster behind assumed starters Mory Bamba (6-3, 190 Sr.) and Evan Johnson (6-0, 185 Jr.) at outside corner. Both defensive coordinator Jay Hill and cornerbacks coach Jenaro Gilford have talked positively about the development of each player and it’s likely both will see ample playing time at outside corner this season.

Perhaps the most intriguing development at the defensive back position, however, is who will be man the oft-used slot corner spot when the team goes into nickel formation. Jonathan Kabeya (5-10, 177 So.) was assumed to be the primary slot corner out of spring practice, but has seen his reps limited in the fall session.

Instead coaches have opted to draw on their deep pool of safeties, namely sophomore Tommy Prassas (6-2, 195) to man the slot corner position. Prassas saw plenty of playing time as a true freshman last season and is looking to expand upon his role this fall as he battles within what is arguably BYU’s deepest position group.

Linebacker

It’s well-noted that BYU will field an impressive starting group of linebackers this fall, but who will be backing up the likes of Isaiah Glasker (6-5, 240 Jr.) and Jack Kelly (6-2, 242 Sr.) has developed into a healthy competition. Choe Strother-Bryant (6-3, 240 Sr.) has moved inside where he’s battling with Siale Esera (6-3, 245) for playing time and has impressed, according to coaches. Ace Kaufusi (6-4, 237 So.) has also been a standout during most open practice sessions and has been complimented for doing as much by coaches during interview sessions.

Other players mentioned include freshman Pierson Watson (6-3, 230), Max Alford (6-1, 230 Jr.) and Maika Kaufusi (6-3, 235 So.)

Also notable is the move of Ephraim Asiata (6-3, 210 So.) from defensive end to outside linebacker. As his weight should indicate, Asiata had trouble taking on blocks at the point of attack last season while showing apparent abilities in rushing the quarterback. Coaches have opted to switch him to outside linebacker, as a result, where he’s provided several standout plays during open practice sessions.

Defensive line

Depth along BYU’s defensive interior was a concern at the outset of the fall practice session, but has largely been addressed by some notable players who are sort hybrid-type linemen who can play on both the interior and edges of BYU’s base 4-3 alignment. Those players include Bodie Schoonover (6-3, 265 Jr.), Viliami Po’uha (6-3, 270 So.) and Sani Tuala (6-5, 270 So.)

As always, BYU will use multiple fronts throughout the season and pose 30 fronts (three down linemen) nearly as often as 40 fronts, if not more so.

At edge there’s been an exciting young crew that have stood out in recent practice sessions, including freshman Hunter Clegg (6-4, 248), Texas transfer Tausili Akana (6-3, 235 So.) and Nusi Taumoepeau (6-3, 245 Fr.), among several others as BYU hopes to bolster its pass rush.

Competition is ongoing and the coming months will see players either rise up or fade from two-deep consideration one a week-to-week basis, although the names mentioned are good bets to provide quality depth throughout the season.