Reinforcements are coming for BYU’s secondary.
One week removed from the program adding a defensive back from the junior college ranks, BYU dipped into the NCAA Transfer Portal once again on Monday. This time, it added former Vanderbilt cornerback Gabe Jeudy-Lally.
“I’m [coming] for the opportunity to play,” Jeudy-Lally told The Salt Lake Tribune. “I’m gonna go in there and I’m gonna battle regardless. But I feel like I could be that guy that BYU needs.”
Jeudy-Lally played in 23 games at Vanderbilt, including all 12 last season. He finished with 50 tackles, two interceptions and two tackles for a loss.
Defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki has said in recent weeks that BYU’s secondary had “bodies” but lacked experience.
“Well, we will have more bodies,” Tuiaki said. “[But] those discussions [about transfers] will be had year-round.”
So, it wasn’t a surprise when BYU added Roman Rashada last week. While there are 22 defensive backs listed on the spring practice roster, the coaching staff has clearly felt the need to keep adding outside reinforcements ahead of the summer.
Rashada and Jeudy-Lally fit the same mold. They both have multiple years of eligibility left. They both carry significant experience. And they both can contribute immediately.
They are meant to hold BYU over as the program waits for an inexperienced roster to catch up. Outside of Malik Moore, BYU doesn’t have a solidified starter in the secondary.
As of this week, BYU has continued to experiment in the secondary. Micah Harper has been moving from corner to safety. Chaz Ah You is oscillating from linebacker into the secondary.
So, Jeudy-Lally could be the reliable player that BYU is lacking.
“I’ve had three different position coaches, three defensive coordinators,” he said. “I’ve played a lot of football. So I feel like I can go in there and be a leader and a playmaker, which I feel like is needed at BYU.”