BYU receiver Darius Lassiter following brother’s footsteps
By Glenn Adams
![TEMPE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Darius Lassiter #9 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles makes a reception against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the NCAAF game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 17, 2022 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) TEMPE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Darius Lassiter #9 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles makes a reception against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the NCAAF game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 17, 2022 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/26d51c4d2097bf7d76baeba70abc073a62980613c35e4486a52bbf2bec420609.jpg)
BYU added a talented wide receiver via the transfer portal who is eager to follow in his big brother’s footsteps. Darius Lassiter, a transfer from Eastern Michigan transfer and the younger brother of Bengals pass catcher Kwamie Lassiter II, joins BYU football with hopes of making impact plays in the Cougar’s potentially high-powered offense.
Now that Darius has landed in the Big 12 as his older brother did, the younger brother hopes to follow Kwamie’s path somewhere else in the not-so-distant future. And that is onto an NFL roster.
One of the main reasons Darius transferred to BYU football is because of the Cougars’ offensive scheme. In a recent interview, Lassiter highlighted that a significant reason he chose Provo is to be in an offense that can get him the ball. He noted, “Being in something that can get me the ball. That kind of jumped out to me. Knowing the quarterback can sling it around to everybody.”
.@darius_lassiter joins the shows and shares what drew him to @BYUfootball.#BYUFOOTBALL | #BYUSN pic.twitter.com/HxXId5szv5
— BYU Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) May 8, 2023
The quarterback he is referring to is former USC and Pitt signal caller, Kedon Slovis. The Pitt transfer would love nothing more than to sling it around to all of BYU’s talented receivers, putting his name back in the conversation as one of the best QBs in the nation. Lassiter hopes to be a recipient of many of those throws.
Meanwhile, in Cincinnati, Kwamie spent most of his NFL rookie season on the Bengals’ practice squad. He was a pleasant surprise and one of the preseason standouts last year. After just missing out on the final 53-man roster, the undrafted rookie free agent signed with the Bengals’ practice squad where he spent most of the year.
The older Lassiter brother is 5’11, 185 lbs. He is a shifty, quick twitch type of wideout who can play in the slot as well as on the outside.
In contrast, Darius is an imposing figure at 6’3, 200 lbs. He is a much bigger target who uses his size and strength to, as the kids say, “Moss” defenders. He will lower his shoulder seeking contact while also having the speed to get behind defenses.
.@darius_lassiter gets his potaTOE down for the score! @IDPotatoBowl | @EMUFB | #MACtion pic.twitter.com/QoavPy1UPh
— #MACtion (@MACSports) December 20, 2022
Both Lassiter brothers have the challenge ahead to climb their respective depth charts and get targets. Kwamie is on a team that boasts arguably the best trio in the NFL in Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd.
Darius joins a BYU roster that returns notable contributors Keanu Hill, Kody Epps, and Chase Roberts. The Cougars also recently added UConn transfer Keelan Marion to the receiver room via the transfer portal.
All of BYU’s receivers will look to be the next man up after star wideout Puka Nacua was drafted in the 5th round by the LA Rams.
For the most part, you can count on the Lassiter brothers being each other’s biggest fans.
Man you beat the odds and continued to believe in yourself, words can’t describe how proud I am of you!! https://t.co/mTQ0LJdqEC
— DL (@darius_lassiter) May 1, 2022
That could change come September 23rd when BYU takes on Kwamie’s alma mater, the Kansas Jayhawks, in a Big 12 matchup. Perhaps Kwamie will hope for a 10-catch, 121-yard, two-touchdown performance from his younger brother leading to a thrilling KU overtime win. Who knows?
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We wish Darius and Kwamie good health, success, and luck in their upcoming seasons.