BYU football roster: Former Wisconsin/Nevada QB, Utah prep star Austin Kafentzis among notable additions to 2017 roster

With the start of BYU’s spring term, BYU football updated its official football roster.

One notable and surprising addition was quarterback Austin Kafenztis. Only a sophomore, BYU is already Kafentzis’ fourth college. He started his career in the Big Ten at Wisconsin before transferring to Nevada and, most recently, Arizona Western College. The roster does not indicate whether Kafentzis is on scholarship or a walk on. The former 4-star recruit is a two-time Utah High School player of the year.

Here are some other notable names and newcomers on the updated roster:

• DE Sione Takitaki
• OL John Vaka (JUCO transfer)
• DL Mo Langi (listed at DL, Returned Missionary)
• DL Keanu Saleapaga (2016 signee; not enrolled in school last year; former USC commit)
• TE’s Tanner Baker and Bentley Hanshaw (members of 2017 recruiting class — both expected to serve missions after 2017 season)
• LB Will Sedgwick (returned missionary)
• OL Nanu Gill (presumed walk-on, returned missionary)

Of the aforementioned names, Sione Takitaki would be the biggest addition. Takitaki was not part of the football team last season and took a redshirt year. Having the redshirt junior back would be a huge boost to BYU’s defensive line and pass rush. If Takitaki does indeed play in 2017, he would likely start at defensive end and be BYU’s best pass rusher.

John Vaka is another impact guy to watch. A former Oregon commit, the JUCO offensive lineman will look to start right away along BYU’s line. Vaka seems like a likely candidate to replace Andrew Eide and start at one of the tackle spots along the BYU line.