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After concern by fans that the BYU Cougars offensive line would take a hit after starting center Tejan Koroma ended up in trouble with the program, many can rest easy now.
In March, Koroma was missing from spring practices and the school confirmed he was no longer enrolled. But now, as reported by Benjamin Criddle from ESPN 960, Koroma has been reinstated and welcomed back to the team by head coach Kalani Sitake.
Yes it's true, @tejankoroma56 was welcomed back to the BYU football team this morning by Coach Kalani Sitake during their team meeting. ✊
— Benjamin Criddle (@criddler21) May 11, 2016
That report was followed by corroboration from BYU's Daily Universe.
Not only is this great news for the offensive line, it is great news for the entire team. Koroma has been a staple on the front line since his freshman year when he started every game, the only true freshman in FBS to do so.
Not only did he start, but he was named the Independent Freshman of the year and earned All-Independent Third Team by College Sports Madness. He followed his freshman season up by starting 12 games in 2015 and being named to the Phil Steele Preseason and Postseason All-Independent First teams.
As a leader on the field, Koroma is indispensable. Not only does he lead by example as he plays hard every play, he also leaves it all on the field. In some cases, he may show too much passion as he pushes just a bit past the whistle, but fans and teammates love his passion and his ability to use his aggression to protect his quarterback.
One of his goals last year was to not allow a sack on his quarterback. His desire to be the perfect center encourages his teammates to fight just as hard and to make plays for the team.
Koroma's return has been speculated for weeks as he has been seen with teammates and was decked out in Cougar gear at the BYU spring game. The offensive line is certainly better with him in control, and that can only mean good things for a new coaching staff and a new offense.