Tabbed a consensus 4-star prospect and as a top 100 recruit nationally by the 247 National Recruiting Network, the 6-foot-3, 243 edge prospect pretty much had his pick of which college program to sign with. Akana ultimately opted for Texas, but after spending two seasons in Austin, he decided to transfer to BYU in hopes of reaching his the superior potential placed upon him coming out of high school.

And if his growth and performance during BYU’s recent fall practice session is any indication, Akana may be on the cusp of becoming a major factor within the Cougar defense this season.

Akana spent most of fall practices without many interview requests, but put his head down and went to work to the point when the initial team depth chart was released, there he was with the designation of the team’s top option at the so-called FB or ‘field backer’ position.

“I’ve just been working as much as possible to not just be a third-down player, but someone who can play on every down,” Akana said prior to the depth chart being released. “So far it’s been going good and the focus is me being able to stick my foot in the ground and play the run game a lot better than I was able to last season.”

Last season saw the Laie, Hawaii native see almost exclusive time during passing situations in rushing the quarterback and otherwise creating havoc in the backfield. Weighing in at between 215-220 pounds throughout the season, he was able to flash his speed and quickness to get around opposing offensive tackles, although the focus throughout the offseason has been to take on those same offensive tackles in defending the run.

“I’ve been able to put on between 20 to 30 pounds of good weight to help me play the run a lot better than I was able to last season,” Akana said. “It’s been all about protein, creatine and drinking a ton of water. But I like where I’m at and what I’m able to do in showing coaches that they can depend on me to get it done in any situation out there. I feel way more powerful off of my back foot now and I feel like I’m as fast and as quick as I’ve ever been.”

Practice sessions involve Akana seeing a lot of BYU right tackle Andrew Gentry, who is arguably the biggest and most imposing player on the entire team with his massive 6-foot-8, 315 pound frame. One would assume that Akana’s course of action in going against a guy like Gentry involves almost exclusive attempts to go around the mammoth tackle rather than trying to bull rush him, although Akana has been attempting and often succeeding at whatever technique he works to employ.

“I have to give blockers multiple looks. That’s the key,” Akana said. “I’m going to give him finesse, sure, but also some power and that’s the key. That’s what all of my gaining weight has been about, and it’s been working well so far.”

Also working out has been Tausili’s new home at BYU.

“I love it here. The change in culture was one of the biggest reasons why I decided to transfer and I absolutely love the culture here at BYU,” he said. “There’s a lot of Hawaii guys I grew with here — guys like Raider (Damuni), Ace Kaufusi and Jarinn Kalama — those are my boys. I also love the coaches and the overall culture Kalani (Sitake) has created. It’s worked out really well and this is home for me now.”

As mentioned, the goal for Akana is to be employed as often as possible while displaying a bigger variety of techniques and effectiveness than he did a season ago. Doing as much won’t be easy when considering just how deep and talented the edge position is overall at BYU. But for Akana, he’s grown used to a high level of competition and feels it will ultimately benefit him.

“We’re real close as a group, but we’re competitive for sure,” he concluded. “I love all the coaches I’m learning from and the strength and conditioning has been great. I feel ready to do it all this year and the goal is to help the team as much as possible. But yeah, I feel it’s going really well for me so far.”