BYU’s depth chart for Saturday’s game against Arizona brought a pair of notable changes, both tied to the defensive side of the ball.
The biggest shakeup came at strong safety, where starter Raider Damuni was removed after getting hurt in week one. Damuni posted an update on social media Sunday, and while he is not done for the year, he is expected to miss multiple games. Kelly Poppinga said on Coordinator's Corner with Greg Wrubell that Damuni could return around the Notre Dame game.
With Damuni sidelined, redshirt sophomore Tommy Prassas moves into the starting strong safety spot. Prassas has already seen the field for BYU as a true freshman in 2024 and again in 2025 before an injury forced him out in October and November.
There are other options behind him as well. True freshman Kennan Pula is next in line at safety after turning heads in Fall Camp.
He arrived as a four-star recruit and brings plenty of talent, but not much experience, so how much Poppinga can ask of him this early remains to be seen. Jarinn Kalama is another name to watch; he is in his third year with the program and played 29 snaps in a reserve role on Saturday.
The other change on the chart came at field backer, where Nusi Taumoepeau was elevated to starter. Taumoepeau was limited by injury during Fall Camp, but last season he was BYU’s most efficient pass rusher. Getting him back to full strength matters a lot for Poppinga heading into Arizona, especially with the need to pressure Noah Fifita without sending extra rushers.
Taumoepeau had been listed as a backup last week and played only five snaps against Utah Tech. This week, his role expands significantly.
In Other News...
BYU Avoided Its Worst Fear But Still Has A Safety Problem
BYU got a scare in the opener against Utah Tech when safety Raider Damuni went down with a leg injury in the first half and had to be carried off the field. The good news is that an MRI confirmed the problem is not season-ending, which at least keeps the Cougars from losing one of their defensive veterans for the year.
Even so, the setback leaves a hole in a secondary that was counting on Damuni for senior leadership and steady play as conference action approaches. Backup Tommy Prassas is now expected to move into the starting role, and BYU will be watching closely to see how quickly the back end settles in without one of its most experienced safeties. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Already Has Two Early Reasons For Fans To Believe
BYUs season opener offered two different kinds of jolt, and both came from players who gave the Cougars something to feel good about beyond the final score. Returner Cannon DeVries earned Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors after taking a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, while wide receiver Legend Glasker was named Big 12 Freshman of the Week after a breakout debut that immediately put him on the league radar.
For a team trying to build momentum before Big 12 play starts against Arizona on Sept. 12, those are the kind of early developments that matter. DeVries showed how quickly special teams can flip a game, and Glaskers first college outing hinted at another playmaker the Cougars can lean on as the schedule stiffens and the stakes rise. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Faces An Early Depth Test Ahead Of Arizona
BYUs first real depth stress test of the season is already taking shape at running back, where the Cougars are trying to sort out the aftermath of Sione Moa leaving the previous game early with an injury. The setback is not believed to be season-ending, but with Arizona next on the schedule, the timing adds a little extra urgency to a room that suddenly needs answers behind the top option.
Preston Rex, Journee Tonga and Devaughn Eka have each shown enough to keep the conversation moving, giving BYU some hope that the next man up can hold the line without a major drop-off. There is better news on the other side of the ball, where Isaiah Glasker is expected back in week two, and Nusi Taumoepeau is set to start after being limited in fall camp, leaving the Cougars with at least a few reinforcements as they head into the matchup. [Read more 🡒]