It happened three times. Another time, Denney (6-foot-4, 255) sacked backup quarterback Sean Setzer for a 7-yard loss, meaning the junior recorded an unheard of four tackles for losses in the first quarter alone.

"Really, it was just the coaches making the right call, and me being in the right place at the right time," Denney said earlier this week as the Cougars prepared for Saturday's game (4 p.m., the Mtn.) against New Mexico at LaVell Edwards Stadium. "But yeah, it did get kind of funny to some, I'm sure."

Being in the right place at the right time -- and being prepared to deliver when the opportunity arrives -- is sort of a Denney family trademark.

Two of Brett's brothers -- Ryan and John -- have used their BYU football careers as a springboard to the National Football League, and Brett's preparedness has earned him a starting spot on the Cougars' 2008 defensive line when it appeared entering fall camp that the junior would be relegated to a backup position.

Craig Denney started the family pipeline to BYU as an offensive lineman in the 1970s before settling in Thornton, Colo., just north of Denver. Ryan Denney played at BYU from 1999-2001 and is in his seventh season as a defensive end with the Buffalo Bills. John Denney, at BYU from 2001-04, is in his fourth season as a deep snapper for the Miami Dolphins.

"Coming here was in my blood," Brett Denney said. "It has the atmosphere that I love. The football program is great and it's a good school. It has the whole package, in my eyes."

Still, there was a time a few months ago when it appeared Craig Denney's third son would not have the same impact at BYU that his brothers had. Brett entered 2008 second on the depth chart at left defensive end -- behind fellow junior Ian Dulan -- and with All-American candidate Jan Jorgensen holding down the other DE spot, his chances for consistent playing time were not good.

But Dulan suffered a shoulder injury in fall camp, and coaches were disappointed with how the 2007 starter handled his rehab work, so Denney was moved into the starting role.

"Brett has made the most of really an opportunity that was earned," BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "Brett was practicing in Ian's place and just hasn't given up the job. His productivity, it is rewarding for me to see because he has been frustrated, and has wanted a bigger role -- and to his credit, when given the chance has been ready and has been productive."

Now, only linebackers Matt Bauman, David Nixon and Coleby Clawson have more tackles for losses than Denney. Dulan has gotten a good chunk of reps, too, in defensive line coach Steve Kaufusi's rotating system, and has two sacks, tied for the most on the team with Jorgensen and Bauman.

"Brett put it together against Utah State," Kaufusi said, echoing Mendenhall's thoughts about his preparedness in fall camp. "It was amazing seeing him make one play after another, and getting a sack. He has worked hard to get where he's at."

Denney said it was probably his best game since a league championship game his senior year at Legacy High in Broomfield, Colo., when he had three sacks on defense and caught the game-winning pass in overtime as a tight end on offense.

For Denney, it's been a whirlwind of good fortune. He is one of 33 or so BYU players who are married, having tied the knot with Kristy Mortensen, a former Oregon State volleyball player, eight months ago.

"Things are working out well," he said.

He said it feels good to meet the expectations that come with being a Denney at BYU, but isn't about to slow down now.

"Every game, I have felt like there was more I could have done," he said. "I have noticed in my life when I start to get comfortable, and start to settle in and go through the motions, that soon enough you will get humbled and have a bad game or have a bad practice."

drew@sltrib.com