BYU Football: Isaiah Kaufusi making name for himself with national award

BYU football’s Isaiah Kaufusi was exceptional in Monday night’s action against Navy, winning the FWAA’s Nagurski Defensive Player of the Week award.

BYU linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi put together a sensational performance against the Naval Academy on Monday night alongside one of the most impressive team performances in BYU school history. The Cougars shut down the Midshipmen’s triple-option offense effectively, holding Navy to just 149 yards of total offense.

Kaufusi collected five tackles and two sacks in the 55-3 win and forced a fumble as well. BYU’s 31-0 halftime lead was the largest in program history since 1977 when the Cougars led Kansas State 32-0 at the half. Navy never entered the red zone and scored on a lone 48-yard field goal. Kaufusi is the second BYU defender in program history to be given the weekly award, joining Kai Nacua in 2015.

Not only has Kaufusi been awarded the Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week but he’s also been added to the Nagurski Trophy watch list, an award given each year by the FWAA. This is the second BYU defender to be placed on the list this year, joining defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (who also had an outstanding night against Navy).

Further on in the season, the FWAA will name five finalists for the annual award. No BYU defender has ever received the award.

BYU looked like a legit team on the field Monday night, having put together a very formidable defense that could wreck some power five teams. They were disciplined, fast, and physical — led by Kaufusi all night long.

The defense collected eight tackles for loss and five sacks while being on route to the worst loss in recent Navy history. “These guys have worked really hard,” BYU head coach Kalane Sitake said after the game. “I’m just proud of them. I’m proud of the leaders on this team.”