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BYU freshman Nusi Taumoepeau has seen increasing playing time throughout the season and received first-team reps in a win over Utah

Courtesy of BYU Photo

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Nusi Taumoepeau's progress was beset by injury prior to establishing himself as a top contributor to BYU's defensive front as a freshman this season

Courtesy of BYU Photo

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BYU edge defender Nusi Taumoepeau came in with a lot of expectations after signing as a 4-star prospect with Stanford before opting to transfer

Courtesy of BYU Photo

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BYU edge and linebackers coach Chad Kauha’aha’a is hesitant to give sophomore Nusi Taumeopeau his flowers quite yet, although it’s tough to downplay the Stanford transfer’s potential.

And it’s not just Taumoepeau, although the 6-foot-2, 240 pound former 4-star prospect is definitely a headliner at the position based on what he flashed last season when given his opportunity and certainly how he capably spelled Jack Kelly during the Pop-tarts Bowl at the end of last season. This season the former Westlake star appears poised to take his play to another level this season, although Kauha’aha’a is quick to point out nothing is a given quite yet.

“He’s coming along and his ceiling is very high, but I’m not going to put Nusi on any kind of pedestal yet, and I’m not going to put anyone in our group on a pedestal yet because we haven’t done anything,” Kahau’aha’a said. “We’re working on everything to become the best unit we can be, and that goes for Nusi.”

Even so, it’s apparent that Taumoepeau’s upside is tremendous, and he has the tools to replace a standout like Kelly.

“I’ve been able to work with Kelly for the last two years, and with everything he did, I don’t know if we can replace him with just one guy, but does Nusi have the tools and ability to be like Jack? Absolutely,” Kauha’aha’a assessed. “Nusi is actually a more fluid pass-rusher than Jack, but we just have to get him there. But then there’s other guys that we’re working with to step to get to where we want to be.”

For Taumoepeau, he entered fall camp being relatively healthy again after being limited in spring due to recovering from injury. He’s taken to the practice field with a determined attitude and with shorn hair that he jokes could make him even more potent with his play.

“I haven’t cut my hair for a while now, and I didn’t think anyone would notice much, but I love it. The best thing is my neck is a lot cooler out there than it was last fall,” he said.

So far this fall Taumoepeau has seen a lot of reps with the first-team defense as he looks to lock down a starting spot and perhaps approach the level of play that Kelly provided over the past two seasons. His specific position is designated as the ‘F-back’ position, which is a sort of hybrid between a defensive end and linebacker, and seems to suit Taumeopeau’s abilities perfectly.

As for his intent this fall, it’s the same as it was last season, which saw his reps increase steadily throughout the season congruent to the impact he was able to make.

“Coaches always tell us to not count our reps, but to make sure our reps count, so that’s always on top of my mind,” Taumoepeau said. “If you make those reps count and make an impact, then coaches will trust you more, and that’s what we’re all working toward.”

Those working to fill Kelly’s spot, along with Taumoepeau is an impressive group, at least on paper. Players mentioned prominently by both Kahau’aha’a and Taumoepeau are former 4-star prospect and Utah transfer, Hunter Clegg, standout true freshman Braxton Lindsey, who was a top recruit in his own rite, Texas transfer and former 4-star prospect Tausili Akana and Kendal Wall, a relatively unheralded addition to the team who has stood out with his play during fall practices.

“Hunter has really improved and he’s been really impressive this fall with his play,” Kahau’aha’a said. “Tausili and Braxton both have a lot of potential and they’re both coming along, and then a guy who has stepped up his Kendal Wall. He was someone I worked to bring in and he’s progressing and he’s having a good camp. So again, we have a lot of potential to play at a high level, but we’re not there yet.”

Taumoepeau had similar comments for his position group while focusing as best he can at his own develop in working to reach his high potential.

“We’re all trying to match the level of play that Jack provided over the past couple of years. He set the standard,” Taumoepeau concluded. “As for me, I’ve set high expectations. I want to get more pressures than I did last year. Getting to the quarterback is my biggest pride and joy, and I just want to create as much havoc as possible. That’s my emphasis. I want to blow up anything and everything an offense throws at me as much as possible.”