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On Monday, defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki announced that Sione Takitaki will join the team next year. Sione played well last year as a hybrid defensive end/linebacker but was held out this year.
Tuiaki referred to Takitaki as his “scariest pass rusher” and recognizes the importance of depth for his defense.
BYU DC Ilaisa Tuiaki just said on radio show that DE Sione Takitaki is expected to be back next season. Huge addition to the BYU defense.
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) November 7, 2016
Sione has had several off the field incidences during his career thus far at BYU and seeing that he has officially righted the ship is great news.
An element of Takitaki’s game that coaches and fans love is how hard he plays on game day. Former coach, Bronco Mendenhall often references his hustle and determination to make plays on the field.
The sophmore had 7 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2015 and now get to build on that success next year.
It is probably too early to speculate exactly what role he will play in the new defense but expect to see him get significant time as a defensive end.
Takitaki is 6-2 and was 250lbs. last year when he played, but it's unknown whether or not his weight has changed given the fact that he has not been on the team this year.
BYU will lose Harvey Langi after this season and it's great to see them be able to plug in a guy with experience to fill that vacancy.