Episode
Will BYU Football’s Veteran Defensive Tackles Lead EMERGENCE as Big 12’s Top Defensive Line FORCE this Year? | Keanu Tanuvasa ＆Justin Kirklan Form Elite Tandem
- Published
- May 14, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1610
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-cougars/
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Summary
The BYU Cougars claim their defensive tackle duo of Keanu Tanuvasa and Justin Kirkland could be the most dominant in the Big 12—a bold assertion that sets the stage for a pivotal season in Provo. Is the BYU football program finally positioned for a return to defensive prominence after years scraping for depth in the trenches? Jake Hatch breaks down how BYU’s interior line, headlined by Tanuvasa’s agility and Kirkland’s size, matches up with last season’s elite Texas Tech front. With both players touting their synergy and dominance, expectations skyrocket as BYU aims to rival conference powerhouses and push for College Football Playoff relevance. The episode spotlights BYU’s transformation on the defensive front, diving into the strategic shift under defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga and line coach Sione Po'uha—whose NFL pedigree and developmental approach have redefined the recruiting prototype for Cougars linemen. Jake Hatch outlines the meticulous build-up of depth behind the starting tandem, featuring the likes of senior Anisi Purcell, versatile Villiami Po'uha, and breakout prospect Ulavai "Vai" Fetuli, whose rapid rise mirrors the program’s renewed commitment to size and athleticism in the trenches. Up-and-comers like Nehemiah Kolone, Kelepi Latu-Finau, David Tangilanu, and Maverick McManus round out a loaded group built for both current impact and future sustainability, offering hope that BYU’s days of being overmatched in the Big 12 are waning. Compelling questions drive the conversation: Can Kirkland and Tanuvasa truly set the pace for the conference’s most feared defensive interior? Will Purcell, Po'uha, and Fetuli maintain the standard when called upon, and how will young names seize opportunities if injuries strike? Jake Hatch connects these personnel dec…