KSL.com’s PROVO Finding a multiverse where BYU’s top linebackers had never touched the position would not take much time.
Before switching to defense full-time after signing with the Cougars in 2021, Isaiah Glasker, last year’s Alamo Bowl Defensive MVP and All-Big 12 selection, was a stellar two-way player at Bingham High, leading the Miners with 811 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior in 2020.
Jack Kelly’s path was a little less typical. Before he developed a passion for football at Kearns High, the Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year, who transferred from Weber State, was a dirt-track champion BMX rider.
However, it’s also safe to say that the two form the foundation of what may be the deepest unit on the 2025 BYU football squad.
The core of second-year defensive coordinator Jay Hill’s unit is Glasker and Kelly, who will be even more closely watched once training camp begins next week due to concerns about the Cougars quarterback play.
However, the hard-hitting, retro duo is unquestionable.
However, Kelly’s story is undoubtedly distinct.
That’s how it goes, isn’t it? BYU coach Kalani Sitake made a joke, saying, “I always wanted to do BMX when I was a kid.” He has no fear of anything.
“It seems easier to chase down a quarterback when you put yourself through all the risks he did with a bicycle,” he continued.
The switch to linebacker was a bit more of a long play for Glasker. He had to be persuaded to switch to defense by the coaches first. Next, a move to one of the roster’s hardest-hitting positions.
Telling a high school receiver that you plan to play linebacker someday is difficult. Sitake deadpanned, so you begin by informing him he’s a safety. Given how intensely he plays the game, we figured there would be something unique about him.
It’s challenging to put together because of his exceptional physicality and ability to run the way he does.
In high school, Glasker was a 6-foot-5, 195-pound receiver. However, he has developed into the 235-pound player who frequently dons the cowboy collar like a vintage linebacker in his fourth year of the program, in addition to serving on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Glasker, who underwent wrist surgery in the winter after he split a tendon in half during the Utah game, credited Sitake for that.
During Big 12 football media days in Frisco, Texas, Glasker told KSL.com, “I have a lot of respect for Kalani because of the way he believed in me.” If it weren’t for Kalani, I wouldn’t be playing linebacker. I adore him.
Kelly acknowledges that despite their unusual career trajectories, he wouldn’t want to play on a defensive unit with anybody but Glasker and his BYU teammates, which include Ace and Maika Kaufusi, important reserves, and former Timpview standout Siale Esera.
Even during games, there are several instances where Glasker’s plays leave Kelly speechless.
In fact, he remarked, that occurs frequently. Crazy stuff, just one-handed catches behind the back. You’re not even sure how to describe it.
Glasker, who also played basketball at Bingham, and his teammate, who might be competing in the X Games in one of those parallel realities, share the same sentiment.
He said, “I love this dude.” No matter the play, I can always rely on him to be there when we’re in the game. I can always rely on him to be there, and he’s excellent at passing routes off and dropping into coverage.
A man with his level of mobility, speed, and ability to pass rush is not something you see very often. It’s a pick in the NFL draft.
Last year, the linebackers led a defense that led BYU to an 11-2 season. This year, they are expected to lead in a similar manner to the unit that gave up 29.8 points per game.
However, only kicker Will Ferrin and wide receiver Chase Roberts represented the Cougars on the aggregate ballot of a few media members, meaning the BYU defense was excluded from consideration for All-Big 12 preseason accolades.
Could BYU’s linebackers be even more underappreciated in autumn?
Glasker expressed his belief that we will always be underestimated. Now that we’re in the Big 12 and everything, that’s simply the way things are at BYU. However, I’m eager to demonstrate to them our true capabilities.
The Cougars lost linebacker Harrison Taggart to Cal, one of seven starters from the defense from the previous season. However, they want to replace him with Esera, a 6-foot-3, 245-pound redshirt sophomore who has dealt with injuries over his first three years of college and has 24 tackles, two tackles for loss, and an interception in 10 games.
According to Kelly and Glasker, the Kaufusi cousins, UCLA transfer Choe Bryant-Strother, and former Skyline player Miles Hall are also anticipated to step up.
According to Kelly, Maika Kaufusi was outstanding throughout spring ball. Everyone, from top to bottom, can play in this deep linebacker room.
