The BYU Cougars boasted one of the best offensive lines in college football this season. But they will be without an important piece of that unit in 2021.
BYU offensive tackle Brady Christensen has declared himself eligible for the NFL draft. He announced his decision via Twitter on Wednesday morning.
“My decision is bittersweet because I must leave my teammates, coaches, and friends at BYU,” Christensen said in his post. “My time at BYU has been nothing short of amazing. Thank you Cougar Nation!”
The 6-foot-6, 300-pound junior earned grades above 95.0 as both a pass-blocker and run-blocker throughout the 2020 season. He allowed just three pressures through 372 regular-season pass-blocking snaps and posted a 96.4 overall grade.
His performance throughout the 2020 season helped the junior earn more than half a dozen All-America recognitions, including The Associated Press, USA TODAY Sports, ESPN and Pro Football Focus. He is the first Cougar to earn multiple first-team All-America honors since 2009 consensus All-America tight end Dennis Pitta.
Overall, BYU has had four players named to All-America teams this postseason — a first since 1984. Among those was quarterback Zach Wilson, whom Christensen protected. The Cougar offense ranked No. 4 in scoring (43.5 ppg) and No. 7 in total offense (522.2 ypg).
“I am so grateful for all the great coaches that have mentored me up to this point,” Christensen said. “I want to thank my amazing teammates and I am grateful for the friendships that will last a lifetime! I want to thank my beautiful wife and family for their unwavering support. No matter where this journey takes me, I will always be a BYU Cougar.”
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