When Raider Damuni took the field against Kansas, something clicked. The BYU safety, brimming with talent since his days at Timpview High, vividly recalls that pivotal moment.
“I felt like I was in that flow state they talk about,” Damuni shared. “Everything just seemed to finally come together in that game.
I wasn’t overthinking; I was just instinctively playing. I got plenty of reps and made plays.
That game is etched in my memory, and I’ve been building on it ever since.”
That Kansas matchup in 2024, despite a narrow 17-13 loss for the Cougars, marked a turning point for Damuni, then a sophomore. His performance earned him more playing time, setting the stage for him to start the 2025 season as one of BYU’s primary safeties.
An injury temporarily sidelined him, but during his absence, sophomore Faletau Satuala emerged as a defensive force. Damuni, though, is more than willing to share the spotlight.
“With Tanner (Wall) graduating, it’s mainly Faletau and me now, along with Tommy Prassas,” Damuni explained. “The competition is fierce, but it’s all love in our group.
We push each other and have one of the strongest units on the team. Everyone’s eager to play, yet we genuinely support one another.”
The safeties are now honing their skills under a new coach, following Jay Hill’s departure to Michigan. Hill had been a constant for Damuni since he joined BYU post-mission service in San Francisco.
“It was tough learning Coach Hill was leaving. We knew it might happen, but it still hit hard,” Damuni reflected.
“Coach Hill shaped me into the player I am, teaching me not just to rely on playmaking but to understand the game deeply. Every day is a grind, but I’m still learning.”
Taking over as safeties coach is DeMario Warren, who joined BYU soon after Hill’s exit.
“Learning from the new coaches has been great,” Damuni noted. “They bring fresh perspectives, and it’s beneficial to blend their insights with what Coach Hill taught us. We’re all adjusting, but Coach Warren’s input has been very positive.”
Adding to the coaching mix is former BYU and Kansas City Chiefs safety Daniel Sorensen, now a special defensive assistant.
“It’s huge having Danny here,” Damuni said. “We watched him at BYU and in the NFL.
His understanding of the game is unparalleled. We’re soaking up his advice, striving to emulate the kind of player he was.
His presence is a big boost for us.”
As Damuni and Satuala prepare to step up as the starting safeties, they aim to fill the void left by Tanner Wall’s graduation.
“Tanner was an incredible teammate and leader,” Damuni remarked. “As a senior, I’m trying to be that role model for the younger guys, just like Tanner was for us.
I’m applying everything I learned from him, hoping to set the same example. We’ve got a fantastic group, and we’re really excited for the upcoming season.”