The BYU Cougars have landed a significant addition to their defense with the commitment of former Oklahoma State defensive tackle Justin Kirkland. This episode breaks down why Kirkland’s arrival is a game-changer for Jay Hill’s defense and how it elevates BYU’s potential for a successful 2025 season.
We dive into Kirkland’s background, tracing his journey from Roy High School to Utah Tech and Oklahoma State, and now his return to his home state to play for BYU. We analyze his strengths as a player, including his size, power, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Kirkland’s presence on the defensive line immediately bolsters BYU’s depth and talent.
This episode examines the impact Kirkland will have on BYU’s defensive line, particularly alongside other key players like Keanu Tanuvasa. We discuss how his addition will create a formidable interior defensive line, capable of stopping the run and generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. We also assess how Kirkland’s skills fit into Jay Hill’s defensive scheme and how he can be utilized to maximize his impact.
Beyond his individual talent, we explore how Kirkland’s commitment enhances the overall BYU defense. His presence will command attention from opposing offensive lines, potentially freeing up opportunities for BYU’s linebackers and edge rushers to make plays. We look at how this addition addresses a key need for BYU and contributes to the team’s overall defensive identity.
We also delve into BYU’s new “Transfer U” moniker and explain what the reality of college football, NIL and Brigham Young University’s reputation do to garner such vitriol from opposing fanbases. Are the BYU Cougars playing outside the rules?
Finally, we discuss the broader implications of this transfer for BYU’s program. Kirkland’s decision to come to BYU speaks volumes about the program’s trajectory and the appeal of playing for Jay Hill. This move could also have a positive impact on BYU’s recruiting efforts and its ability to attract top-tier talent in the future.
The BYU Cougars are reloading for another tough Big 12 season, and they’ve added a potent weapon in former Idaho wing Tyler Mrus. This episode dives into why Mrus is an ideal fit for Kevin Young’s system and how he’ll contribute to BYU’s quest for depth and versatility in an ultra-competitive Big 12 Conference.
We’ll break down Mrus’s game, highlighting his sharpshooting prowess and his ability to stretch the floor. Coming off a season where he averaged 9.7 points and shot 38% from three-point range, Mrus brings a valuable skill set to BYU’s already talented roster. His size and shooting ability make him a tough matchup for opposing defenses.
#CFB #CollegeFootball #TransferPortal #JayHill #JustinKirkland #BYUDefense #KeanuTanuvasa #BYURecruiting #BYUfootball #BYUCougars #BYU #BYUhoops #BYUbasketball #Big12Conference #Big12 #GoCougars #GoCougs #LockedOnCougars #LOC #BrighamYoungUniversity
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Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue “on the trail to fame and glory” every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.
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23 Comments
You other teams out there, Tampering charges will only eliminate your strategic advantages also. The problem you face with BYU is the network of ultra-high net-worth individuals and companies that are financing BYU sports. If this does not work for you, do the same thing with your school.
👍👍
Utahs insider might seriously be locked on Utahs hosts third removed cousin Eddie…who gets his information from his nephew’s neighborhood friends little sister.
Big Jake!! Don’t change anything💙ALWAYS ON Point, Accurate, Exciting and may I say, Humbly Righteous in representing as A Disciple of all that is good and acceptable. Big 12 IS NOT a dumping ground for weak programs! It takes class and a commitment to excellence to play with the big boys 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙 💙💙💙💙💙🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Great opening statement, Jake, don’t listen to the naysayers!
Hold on Jake, you’re awesome, but how can you even hesitate on Danny Ainge on that all-time five?? He was Jimmer Fredette and Jackson Emery combined and a flat out winner. If he had had a three-point line in college, no one would be touching his scoring record.
There are no guard rails so there really are no rules to tampering. It’s gonna be hard for the NCAA to get a hold on it bc there’s so many creative ways to do it. Through an agent, family member, friend, former teammate, etc. the real issue here is the transfer portal windows that allow opportunities to do it. If they can somehow fix that mess then maybe we’ll get less of guys jumping in the portal.
FTA
Tell em Jake! Love it!
If its not against the rules its NOT ILLEGAL!!
JAKE
Quit calling this tampering. IS IS NOT TAMPERING. The rules prohibit coaches and staff from contacting and soliciting players at other schools. This is players family and agents contacting other schools. If they don’t want this then CHANGE THE RULES. Until that happens quit whining like baby’s.
The given “poverty program” moniker is hilarious. The church wasn’t going to subsidize sports, nor they should have been expected to do so. But, it’s now more hilarious watching NIL unleashing the resources of BYU’S extensive deep-pocketed , and wealthy, alumni network. Those folks have been waiting decades for this moment!!!
Love hearing Wesley get some attention. Those were dark years, but he was incredible!
They are only recruiting players that will likely break the ‘honor code’. All of this thirst to win will come with its consequences.
Let me make sure I understand. BYU is accused of tampering with a LDS football player who is a return missionary? OK State are u serious? 😂
I sure hope Kevin Young stays at BYU for a while. He’s such a great coach from what we saw this year. He develops players and I think the culture he is building is being overlooked because of NIL. But truth is that money may get a player in the door, but culture is what will keep. I think NIL plus culture makes BYU a very attractive place to play in either basketball or football.
Hope the D line can stay healthy.
LLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLL
BYU's nutrition and strength training group should help Kirkland make his body stronger rather than just heavier.
Why do you talk about skeletons in the closet but then other times say BYU isn’t breaking rules because they are following guidelines and the contact with outside players isn’t by the coaches. Skeletons in the closet implies they have broken rules.
Ute fans crying liberal tears……..priceless.
I don’t like this talk about “who cares what other fanbases think” “Who else can we piss off” we should be grateful to be in the big 12 and treat the other fanbases with respect. Big fan of the podcast though, thanks for your work Jake!
Cougs are indeed The Big Dogs 🐕 & it's only going to get better.