PROVO — When BYU announced it had scheduled a season-opening game against Navy on Aug. 6, Cougars players and coaches were thrilled after a number of much-anticipated contests had been dropped from the slate due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But for one BYU player, the news of scheduling the Midshipmen as an opponent was especially meaningful.
Junior linebacker Pepe Tanuvasa transferred from Navy to BYU after the 2018 season. Tanuvasa played in 13 games and recorded 32 tackles for coach Ken Niumatalolo and the Midshipmen in 2018.
“That was a very cool experience being there at the Naval Academy. When I heard it first announced, it was definitely mixed emotions.” BYU linebacker Pepe Tanuvasa, on facing his former team, Navy
“That was a very cool experience being there at the Naval Academy. When I heard it first announced, it was definitely mixed emotions,” said the native of Tigard, Oregon. “I was excited to play against my friends still playing for Navy because I know the caliber of team that they are. I know coach Ken runs a very tight ship. So I’m looking forward to this game. I know it’s going to be a really good one.”
The Cougars are the only FBS team west of Texas that’s still planning to play college football this season.
Tanuvasa is committed to playing.
“I stand 100% with my team, with the staff, especially with our athletic director, Tom Holmoe,” he said. “We want to play. If BYU’s going to be playing, I’m going to be playing.”