Why BYU tackle Khyiris Tonga is such a focal point for Cougar defense
Imposing nose guard returned for his senior year at BYU to enhance his NFL stock. After his performance at Navy, he’s on the right track during a season many collegians are not even playing.
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BYU’s Khyiris Tonga holds a United States flag while waiting to take the field with teammates before an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. Tonga wreaked havoc for Navy’s offensive line during the Cougars’ thumping of the Midshipmen on Monday. AP
He was the center of attention before and during the opener at Navy.
Tonga remains an important focus for BYU as it prepares for its Sept. 19 meeting against Army at West Point.
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The giant nose guard soaks up blockers, just absorbs them.
In BYU’s 55-3 win at Navy, Tonga took on double teams and shucked off blockers like an animated cartoon superhero figure. Navy blockers were bouncing off his shoulder pads, arms and torso like pins in a bowling lane. All that inertia allowed BYU’s linebackers to make huge plays.
At times, Tonga was hit high and low, not a kosher NCAA-approved play. But what’s an offense to do when you are blocking a cinder block that won’t move backward?
As a result, Navy couldn’t establish its fullback dive. It hit the garage door and it wouldn’t open. As a result, Navy often went backwards. The average third-down play yardage needed by the nation’s defending national rushing title team was 9.8 yards.
Think about that.
Navy quarterback Dalen Morris, center, runs as BYU defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
Most of Navy’s third-down plays required a 10-yard gain to convert. It converted two of its 11 tries. For an option team, that’s a recipe for circling the drain.
BYU’s defense had five sacks on Navy quarterbacks and 12 tackles for loss.
It seemed BYU’s defense was a few steps ahead of Navy all game long, primarily by controlling the first option, that dive by the fullback. Tonga was at the center of BYU’s defensive formations, which showed three, four, five, six and seven defenders in the box at different times.
Tonga credited his position coach, defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki for preparing the defense, especially the defensive line.
“It was very disciplined play,” said Tonga. “It was a matter of stepping the right way and being really sound on the defensive line. This (Navy) team cuts a lot and we don’t see a lot of that. We were able to use our hands a lot and dominate upfront and we were able to show that.”
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BYU's Tyler Allgeier celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU wide receiver Gunner Romney (18) leaps to catch a pass over Navy defensive back Cameron Kinley during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Dalen Morris, center, runs as BYU defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Courtesy BYU photo
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BYU running back Tyler Allgeier dives for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Lopini Katoa runs for a touchdown as Navy cornerback Michael McMorris (5) and defensive back Cameron Kinley (3) chases during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Coach Kalani Sitake with his team in Annapolis, Maryland preparing for their game against Navy.
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Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is viewed before an NCAA college football game between Navy and BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Dalen Morris runs as BYU defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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A general view of Navy-Marine Corps memorial stadium before an NCAA college football game between the Navy and BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Tyler Allgeier dives for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo walks with his team of the field before an NCAA college football game against the BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo looks on as his team huddles before an NCAA college football game against BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Khyiris Tonga (95) holds a United States flag while waiting to take the field with teammates before an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, left, walks on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Zac Dawe (99) reacts after making a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Lopini Katoa (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Zac Dawe (99) reacts after making a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy , Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Tyler Allgeier celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy , Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Lopini Katoa (4) runs for a touchdown as Navy linebacker Kevin Brennan, center back, John Kelly III (55) and defensive back Cameron Kinley (3) looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Lopini Katoa (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Lopini Katoa, center front, celebrates with wide receiver Neil Pau'u (2) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Dax Milne (5) runs after the catch as Navy linebacker Austin Talbert-Loving (31) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU quarterback Zach Wilson (1) looks to throw as Navy guard Mike Flowers (98) applies pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU wide receiver Gunner Romney (18) runs after the catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy guard Mike Flowers (98) reacts as BYU running back Lopini Katoa (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Lopini Katoa dives fora touchdown as Navy guard Mike Flowers (98) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU wide receiver Neil Pau'u runs after the catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU quarterback Zach Wilson (1) looks to throw as Navy guard Mike Flowers (98) applies pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Tyler Allgeier (25) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Lopini Katoa (4) and Tyler Allgeier (25) celebrate during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU's Tyler Allgeier (25) makes a cut in front of Navy linebacker Diego Fagot (54) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Dalen Morris (8) looks to throw as BYU defensive lineman Zac Dawe (99) rushes in during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Dalen Morris (8) looks to throws on the run as BYU defensive lineman Zac Dawe defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, center, looks to throw downfield as Navy defensive tackles Jackson Perkins (96) and Deondrae Williams (92) apply pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Tyler Allgeier dives for a touchdown as Navy defensive back Cameron Kinley (3) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU running back Tyler Allgeier (25) celebrates with offensive lineman Clark Barrington (56) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Perry Olsen drops back to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo looks ontonthe field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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BYU quarterback Baylor Romney (16) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy kicker Daniel Davies (47) punts during the second half of an NCAA college football game against BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Perry Olsen (11) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against BYU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
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Navy quarterback Perry Olsen (11) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the BYU , Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Tommy Gilligan) | Tommy Gilligan, Associated Press
Tonga also credited BYU’s scout teams. In other words, he believes BYU’s scout offense gave them such good looks and emulated Navy’s sets and speed of play at a level the starters could really learn what to do, practicing it until it became natural.
Tonga said preparing for Navy was a collective effort of all BYU’s defensive coaches, from the cornerbacks coach to linebackers and defensive line coach Tuiaki and head coach Kalani Sitake.
”Everybody got to chime in,” he explained. “It was a learning opportunity for all of us because many of us hadn’t seen this kind of offense before.”
Sitake claimed his role during the game was primarily to enjoy the players having fun, call a few timeouts and technicalities.
What he saw unfold, he said, was the result of his staff listening to players and designing plays, formations and sets that they felt comfortable with and believed would work.
BYU’s 2020 football schedule
BYU 55, Navy 3
Sept. 19 at Army (Postponed)
BYU 48, Troy 7
Oct. 2 vs. Louisiana Tech, 7 p.m., ESPN2
Oct. 10 vs. UTSA, 1:30 p.m., ESPN
Oct. 16 at Houston, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
Oct. 24 vs. Texas State, Time and TV TBA
Oct. 31 vs. Western Kentucky, Time and TV TBA
Nov. 7, at Boise State, Time and TV TBA
Nov. 21 vs. North Alabama, Time and TV TBA
All times MDT
That it came from team leadership, with guys like Tonga, made it all the more pleasing for Sitake.
While Navy and Army both run the triple-option, there are differences Sitake said the Cougars must adjust to because Army now has film of BYU formations that Navy had to guess about during the game.
The Cougars played plenty of freshmen linebackers a year ago like Payton Wilgar, Max Tooley, Drew Jensen, Jackson Kaufusi and Keenan Pili, and took some lumps in the learning process.
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In the Navy game, freshmen defensive linemen Seleti Fevaleaki and Caden Haws saw their first action, as did the leading tackler in the game, Navy transfer junior linebacker Pepe Tanuvasa.
The encouraging thing for the BYU defense, the only one playing west of Texas, is that all these players are getting needed playing time in the COVID-19 season of 2020.
And all of them have their eligibility for this year restored next year, if they choose.
Including Tonga.
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