Sione Takitaki, OLB, Brigham Young #16
6022, 245, 4.81
Notes: From Fontana, CA. Youngest of seven children. Also played volleyball in high school. Married. Played in 11 games and recorded 19 tackles, 4 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FF and 1 FR in 2014. Played in 6 games, starting two, with 21 tackles, 7 TFL, 3.5 sacks and 1 FR in 2015. Suspended for a violation of team rules in October 2015 after he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft as part of a plea deal stemming from an incident in which he was accused of stealing athletic wear from the women's soccer and track teams. He was held out all of 2016, taking a redshirt. Was married in June 2016 and credits his wife Alyssa with helping him mature. Played in 13 games, starting 12, ranking second on team with 79 tackles, team-leading 12.5 TFL, 5 sacks and 2 PBU in 2017.
Positives: Comes off the ball and can rush the passer. Plays with intensity. Very disruptive at times. Strong and physical.
Negatives: Needs to improve on pass coverage.
Summary: Could move up a lot if he repeats last season’s production.
