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Provo • This summer hasn't been particularly easy on BYU's defensive line, which is transitioning to a four-man front after years of success in Bronco Mendenhall's 3-4 system.

The biggest blow came just before camp started, when it was learned that rising star defensive end Sione Takitaki would not participate in preseason training practices, and will likely miss the entire season for reasons the school has yet to disclose.

Throw in the fact that several expected starters have been slowed by nagging injuries, and defensive line coach Steve Kaufusi, the only holdover from the previous coaching staff, is earning his keep.

There have also been positive developments. One has been the way former linebacker Harvey Langi has adjusted to playing defensive end, stepping seamlessly into Takitaki's old spot. Langi's move was made possible with the rise of sophomore Butch Pau'u at middle linebacker.

"I am excited about him," Kaufusi said. "He gives us a little of what we used to get from Ziggy [Ansah], because he's got a motor and he's aggressive and he's physical. Those are some of the traits you look for. He is really learning the position, the technique, how to play that spot. He has moved around so much in his career. He is behind a little bit, but he makes up for it with his effort. He's a quick learner, too."

Kaufusi said he won't be surprised if Langi "has a big year" and gets 15-16 sacks this season. Langi has been slowed by a concussion, but should get the start on Sept. 3 in the season opener against Arizona.

Defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki said Langi understands how to play defensive end better than some of the younger guys because of his work at linebacker.

"He sees formations and backfield sets a lot better than the rest of the guys, and so that adds what he brings to the table," Tuiaki said.

The coaches said the starter at the other defensive end spot is still being decided. Junior Tomasi Laulile is probably the leading candidate, but may be needed inside, as two-year starter Travis Tuiloma is recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury suffered in the Las Vegas Bowl and could be out the first month of the season.

Steady sophomore Moses Kaumatule, former linebacker Sae Tautu and former BYU basketball center Corbin Kaufusi, Steve's son, are also in the running.

"Corbin will have a role, but the other guys have just had a little more experience than him," Steve Kaufusi said. "I also like Kaumatule, who is probably our most experienced end, because he has played that position since high school.

Inside, senior Logan Taele recently returned to full-time action after missing most of camp recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Assuming Tuiloma doesn't make a miraculous recovery, the other starting defensive tackle will likely be sophomore Merrill "Meti" Taliauli, the former East High star.

"Meti is the next guy [besides Taele and Tuiloma] who is really consistent as far as being a technician and paying attention to details," Steve Kaufusi said.

Snow College transfer Handsome Tanielu, sophomore Tevita Mo'unga and junior Kesni Tausinga enter the season as backups inside but should see significant time.

Twitter: @drewjay —

BYU's top defensive linemen

Player Year Ht/Wt Previous School

Harvey Langi Senior 6-3/250 Utah

Tomasi Lualile Junior 6-4/285 Westlake (Calif.) H.S.

Logan Taele Senior 6-2/295 Dixie (Utah) H.S.

Travis Tuiloma Senior 6-2/295 Washburn (Kan.) Rural H.S.

Merrill Taliauli Soph. 6-2/305 East (Utah) H.S.

Handsome Tanielu Junior 6-2/320 Snow College

Moses Kaumatule Soph. 6-2/275 Bingham (Utah) H.S.

Note • Tuiloma is doubtful for the opener with a foot injury