INSIDE LINEBACKER
Returning players: Jonathan Baird, John Miller, Bronson Olevao
2024 players not returning: Max Alford (transferred to byu), Cole Joyce (transfer portal), Jon Ross Maye (graduation), Jadon Pearson (transferred to Fresno State), Logan Pili (transferred to Utah Tech), Clyde Washington (graduation), Tanner Williams (transferred to San Diego State), Nathan Wright (transfer portal)
2025 post-spring ball attrition: Craig McDonald (transfer portal)
2024 total production lost: 52 games, 18 starts, 160 tackles, 13.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sacks, 5 quarterback hurries, 3 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries
2024 total production returning: 23 games, 7 starts, 75 tackles, 9.5 tackles-for-loss, 5.5 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, 2 pass breakups
2024 total production transferring in (transfer portal/junior college): 30 games, 30 starts, 129 tackles, 16.0 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries
New Faces in 2025:
Sampson Alofipo 6’1″ 189 (NR) – New Mexico Military Institute, NM – (3 years to play 2)
2024 (So.) Stats: 60 tackles 6.0 tackles-for-loss 4.5 sacks 1 INT 2 pass breakups 1 forced fumble 1 fumble recovery
2023 (Fr.) Stats: 46 tackles 13.5 tackles-for-loss 7.0 sacks 1 INT 3 pass breakups 1 fumble recovery
Offers from: None
Primary recruiter: Shane Hunter
https://www.hudl.com/profile/7965070/Sampson-Alofipo
Blake Barnes 6’1″ 180 (NR) – Milford HS, UT – (Preferred Walk-on)
2021 (Sr.) Stats: 100 tackles 12.0 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sack 2 QB hurries 2 pass breakups 1 fumble recovery
2020 (Jr.) Stats: 160 tackles 2.0 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sack 4 QB hurries 6 INTs 6 pass breakups 2 forced fumbles 1 fumble recovery
2019 (So.) Stats: 86 tackles 1.0 tackles-for-loss 1 INT 6 pass breakups 1 forced fumble 1 fumble recovery
Offers from: Southern Utah
Primary recruiter: UNKNOWN
https://www.hudl.com/profile/8287662/Blake-Barnes
Mataira Brown 6’3″ 230 (NR) – Snow JC, UT – (4 years to play 3)
2024 (Fr.) Stats: 47 tackles 9.5 tackles-for-loss 0.5 sacks 1 pass breakup 1 forced fumble 1 fumble recovery
Offers from: None
Primary recruiter: Bobby McMillen, DJ Tialavea
https://www.hudl.com/profile/15996261/mataira-brown
Tymere Burton 6’3″ 230 (3*) – East Mississippi CC, MS – (3 years to play 3)
2024 (RsFr.) Stats: 22 tackles 0.5 tackles-for-loss
2023 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at University of Charlotte
Offers from: Georgia Southern, Louisiana-Monroe, Sam Houston St, Texas St, Texas-San Antonio, UTEP
Primary recruiter: Troy Morrell
https://www.hudl.com/profile/23830839/tymere-burton
Luke Durfey 6’0″ 225 (NR) – Lone Peak HS, UT – (Preferred Walk-on)
2021 (Sr.) Stats: 122 tackles 11.0 tackles-for-loss 3.5 sacks 6 QB hurries 4 pass breakups 2 forced fumbles 2 fumble recoveries 2 blocked kicks; 71 carries 259 yards 10 TDs; 2 receptions 114 yards 1 TD
2020 (Jr.) Stats: 129 tackles 17.0 tackles-for-loss 5.0 sacks 4 QB hurries 1 INT 2 pass breakups 1 forced fumble 1 fumble recovery; 46 carries 246 yards 13 TDs
2019 (So.) Stats: 16 tackles 2.0 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sacks 2 QB hurries 1 pass breakup
Offers from: None
Primary Recruiter: DJ Tialavea, Mike Zuckerman, Tim Burmeister
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11758742/Luke-Durfey
Dakota Howell 5’11” 195 (NR) – Western Albemarle HS, VA – (Preferred Walk-on)
2025 (Sr.) Stats: No stats available
2024 (Jr.) Stats: No stats available
2023 (So.) Stats: No stats available
Offers from: None
Primary recruiter: Nick Howell
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11402470/Dakota-Howell
Chris Joe 6’3″ 185 (3*) – Liberty HS, CA
2024 (Sr.) Stats: 52 tackles 5.0 tackles-for-loss 2 INTs; 22 receptions 422 yards 5 TDs
2023 (Jr.) Stats: 45 tackles 1.0 tackles-for-loss 2 INTs 2 pass breakups
2022 (So.) Stats: 9 tackles 2 INTs pass breakup 1 fumble recovery
Offers from: Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico
Primary recruiter: Shane Hunter
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16281625/Chris-Joe
Ryker Lotulelei 6’2″ 230 (247 3*) – West HS, UT
2021 (Sr.) Stats: 56 tackles 7.5 tackles-for-loss 3.0 sacks 4 QB hurries 1 interception 1 pass breakup
2020 (Jr.) Stats: 9 tackles
2019 (So.) Stats: 14 tackles 2.0 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sacks
Offers from: None
Primary Recruiter: Mike Zuckerman, Al Lapuaho, Ephraim Banda
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11296308/Ryker-Lotulelei
Jaxton Scoffield 6’4″ 210 (NR) – Roy HS, UT
2024 (Sr.) Stats: 115 tackles 9.0 tackles-for-loss 3.0 sacks 1 forced fumble 1 blocked punt
2023 (Jr.) Stats: 60 tackles 4.0 tackles-for-loss 2.0 sacks 2 QB hurries 1 INT 5 pass breakups 3 fumble recoveries 1 blocked FG
2022 (So.) Stats: 20 tackles 1.0 tackles-for-loss 3.0 sacks 6 QB hurries 2 INTs 3 pass breakups 3 fumble recoveries
Offers from: New Mexico, Snow JC, Southern Utah, Utah Tech
Primary recruiter: Shane Hunter
https://www.hudl.com/profile/12568427/Jaxton-Scoffield
2025 OUTLOOK
BUCK (SAM LINEBACKER)
BRONSON OLEVAO
Junior Bronson Olevao finished strong last year and is looking to build that success into a starting role this season.
Last year, Olevao played in all 12 games and logged 23 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, and 3 quarterback hurries.
During his 3-year career at Utah State, Olevao has played in 15 games, totaling 29 tackles, 6.0 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, and 3 quarterback hurries.
According to On3 Sports, coming out of Highland High (UT), Olevao was rated as the 2,071st-best player nationally, 161st-best safety, and the 46th-best prospect overall in Utah. He chose the Aggies over an offer from Weber State.
Olevao seems to have found his schematic fit. He is a capable athlete as he performed at a high level at several positions in high school. He is confident, reliable, and works hard. He is an explosive and very talented athlete. He is at his best when he’s responsible for large parts of the field and can run around to make a play. He can close in on a pass to make a deflection or an interception. He can also deliver a tackle while running full speed. He is fast and strong, and has a high football IQ. He is like having a coach on the field. He understands both offensive and defensive systems and plays with passion
TYMERE BURTON
Tymere Burton is a transfer from East Mississippi Community College (MS) who will enter the 2025 season as a sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining.
Last season, he played in 7 games with 7 starts and recorded 22 tackles and 0.5 tackles-for-loss, before being lost for the season with an injury.
During his 2-year career with the Lions and the University of Charlotte, Burton played in 7 games with 7 starts and recorded 22 tackles and 0.5 tackles-for-loss, and took a redshirt season with the 49ers.
According to 247sports, coming out of East Mississippi Community College (MS), Burton was rated as the 109th-best junior college player nationally, the 9th-best junior college linebacker, and the 41st-best junior college prospect overall in Mississippi. He chose the Aggies over offers from Georgia Southern, Louisiana-Monroe, Sam Houston State, Texas State, Texas-San Antonio, and UTEP.
Burton has good play recognition that allows him to react to what’s going on. He diagnoses plays quickly, and that allows him to be a forceful tackler, especially when making hits on the run. He uses his instincts to shoot through open gaps decisively. His mobility and upper-level closing speed get him to where the action is in a hurry. He is at his best in run defense, where he can keep the play in front of him and stop opposing running backs before they get going.
SAMPSON ALOFIPO
Sampson Alofipo is a transfer from the New Mexico Military Institute (NM) who will enter the 2025 season as a junior with two years of eligibility remaining, plus a redshirt season if needed.
Last year, Alofipo started in all 12 games and racked up 60 tackles, 6.0 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
During his 2-year career with the Broncos, Alofipo played in 22 games with 22 starts and totaled 106 tackles, 19.5 tackles-for-loss, 11.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Utah State was Alofipo’s first scholarship offer, and he accepted not long after receiving his offer.
Alofipo is skilled at tackling on the run. He makes sure he doesn’t overcommit to a play by chopping his steps when he gets close to players, but still maintains enough balance to launch himself into opposing ball carriers. He does a nice job of keeping himself free of opposing blockers, tactfully weaving between opposing players to sack quarterbacks. His mobility and ability to read the eyes of opposing quarterbacks will make him serviceable in pass coverage.
CHRIS JOE
True freshman Chris Joe will be looking to turn some heads in fall camp.
Last year, Joe started in all 12 games and collected 52 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss, and 2 interceptions.
During his 3-year career with the Lions, Joe played in 27 games with 22 starts and totaled 106 tackles, 6 tackles-for-loss, 6 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery.
According to On3 Sports, coming out of Liberty High (CA), Joe was rated as the 1,786th-best player nationally, 166th-best linebacker, and the 142nd-best prospect overall in California. He chose the Aggies over offers from Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Joe will be able to use his safety speed to become an effective inside linebacker. He can read the field very well and use his speed to flock to the ball to make a tackle. He is a great tackler on the run and determined to bring the ball carrier down any way he can. He understands how to neutralize double moves and predict routes from his time as a safety. He does well in coverage thanks to his quick feet, where his vision and hands will be assets when passes are thrown his way. Once he adds a little more weight to his frame, Joe will be a player to keep an eye on.
BLAKE BARNES
Redshirt freshman Blake Barnes will add depth to the position.
As a senior at Milford High (UT) in 2021, Barnes started all 12 games and racked up 100 tackles, 12.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries, 2 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery.
During his 3-year high school career with the Tigers, he has played in 38 games with 38 starts and totaled 346 tackles, 15.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, 7 interceptions, 14 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. His brother Bryson is a quarterback for the Aggies.
Barnes chose the Aggies over an offer from Southern Utah.
Thanks to Barnes seeing extensive time as a wide receiver offensively, he excels at diagnosing plays early and attacking. He is very patient as the play develops, and he sniffs out opposing ball carriers. He is a good form tackler, as he gets as low as he can and wraps up on the ball carrier. He is drawn to opposing players like a magnet. He is solid in pass coverage and easily identifies and picks up his man coming through the line of scrimmage or rolling out of the backfield. As a four-sport athlete, he will be a successful collegiate athlete regardless of the position he plays.
JONATHAN BAIRD
Junior preferred walk-on Jonathan Baird has made the move from running back to linebacker and will add depth to the position.
Last season, Baird spent the season on the Aggie practice squad.
During his 3-year career at Utah State and byu, Baird has yet to see any action.
During his 2-year high school career at Mead High (WA), Baird caught 61 passes for 842 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Baird is a strong, capable football player. The amount of time he has spent on the offensive side of the ball should serve him well as a linebacker. He is a stout player who can plug the hole and stifle opposing running backs. His excellent field vision helps him to quickly determine what offensive play is unfolding in front of him. His speed and versatility make him a valuable asset.
MIKE LINEBACKER
JOHN MILLER
Senior John Miller finished last season strong and seems to have a hold on the starting gig at this position.
Last year, he played in 11 games with 7 starts and pulled down 52 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, and 2 pass breakups.
During his 5-year career with Utah State and Oregon State, he saw action in 46 games with 7 starts and totaled 74 tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, 4 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.
According to 247sports, coming out of Tualatin High (OR), Miller was rated as the 836th-best player nationally, the 26th-best linebacker, and the 3rd-best prospect overall in Oregon. Oregon State was his first offer out of high school. Once he entered the transfer portal, Miller chose the Aggies over an offer from Southeast Missouri State.
Miller has done an impressive job of putting on enough weight to help him shed FBS-level blockers. He does a nice job of reading the play, coming up into the box, and shooting gaps to stuff the opposing run game. His top-flight quickness gives him the ability to move from sideline to sideline. He has a clear instinct and ability for hitting and tackling. His fluid movement and active hands make him an asset in pass coverage. He finally got a chance to see extended action last season, and he made the most of his opportunity.
MATAIRA BROWN
Mataira Brown is a transfer from Snow Junior College (UT) who will enter the 2025 season as a sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining, plus a redshirt season if needed.
In his first season of collegiate football last year with the Badgers, Brown recorded 47 tackles, 9.5 tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
The Aggies were Brown’s first offer, and he accepted not long after he officially visited the Utah State campus.
Brown is a fundamentally sound linebacker who keeps his feet moving and squares up on tackles. He does well tackling on the run and stays low to get his lower body into his hits. His strong lower body allows him to explode into opposing running backs, sending them sprawling backward. He has proven to be excellent at stopping the run, going full speed downhill to stop opposing players in their tracks. He is great at play recognition and springs into action to make the tackle.
RYKER LOTULELEI
True freshman Ryker Lotulelei joined the Aggies after serving a church mission and is looking to make his impact on the depth chart.
As a high school senior in 2021 at West High (UT), Lotulelei played in 10 games with 10 starts and tallied 56 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.0 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, 1 interception, and 1 pass breakup.
During his 3-year career with the Panthers, Lotulelei played in 17 games with 12 starts and totaled 77 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, 1 interception, and 1 pass breakup.
According to On3 Sports, coming out of West High (UT), Lotulelei was rated as the 1,916th-best player nationally, the 204th-best linebacker, and the 43rd-best prospect overall in Utah. The Aggies were his first scholarship offer, and he accepted his offer very early in the recruiting process.
Lotulelei is yet another local player the Aggies were able to secure. He is a cerebral player who diagnoses plays quickly. He has great lateral speed that allows him to easily move from sideline to sideline. He covers gaps quickly and has a nose for the football, using his great closing speed to hunt opposing ball carriers. He is in his element stopping the run with his powerful tackling ability, but he can hold his own in coverage in the short passing game as well.
JAXTON SCOFFIELD
True freshman Jaxton Scoffield will be looking to turn some heads in fall camp.
Last year, as a high school senior at Roy High (UT), Scoffield played in 14 games with 14 starts and racked up 115 tackles, 9.0 tackles-for-loss, 3.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and blocked a punt.
During his 3-year career with the Royals, Scoffield played in 38 games with 28 starts and totaled 195 tackles, 14.0 tackles-for-loss, 8.0 sacks, 8 quarterback hurries, 3 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 6 fumble recoveries, 1 blocked field goal, and 1 blocked punt.
Scoffield chose the Aggies over offers from New Mexico, Snow Junior College (UT), Southern Utah, and Utah Tech.
Scoffield possesses good speed to sideline to sideline. He has solid backside tracking, often running down opposing running backs before they break away. He wraps up well in the open field. He can consistently get into the backfield to pressure opposing quarterbacks and blow up plays. He doesn’t give up on plays and is always giving maximum effort to make a tackle.
LUKE DURFEY
True freshman preferred walk-on Luke Durfey got an early jump on things by enrolling at Utah State in January following his return from serving a church mission.
As a senior at Lone Peak High (UT) in 2021, Durfey played in 12 games with 12 starts and racked up 122 tackles, 11.0 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, 4 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 blocked kicks.
During his 3-year career with the Knights, Durfey totaled 267 tackles, 30.0 tackles-for-loss, 9.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, 1 interception, 7 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 blocked kicks.
The Aggies were his first preferred walk-on offer, and he accepted not long after taking an official visit to campus.
Durfey reads plays well as they develop, and that puts him in an excellent position to make a stop. He wraps up well when he tackles and drives his body through the opposing ball carrier. He is also a capable player in pass coverage. He displays active hands and is fast enough that he can keep up with most running backs out of the backfield.
DAKOTA HOWELL
Adding depth at the position is true freshman preferred walk-on Dakota Howell. Howell joined the Aggies in January following his return from serving a church mission. Howell is the son of Utah State Defensive Coordinator Nick Howell.
Unfortunately, career high school stats for Howell were not available at press time. Despite several requests from the Western Albemarle High Head Coach, I was unable to secure a response.
Howell is an extremely physical player. He enjoys punishing opposing offensive players every opportunity he gets. He is a solid-form tackler and does a good job of wrapping up on the ball carrier. He’s got good ball skills and knows how to make a break on the football once it is in the air. He is a student of the game and is another coach out on the field.
PROJECTED 2025 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
LINEBACKER
BUCK (SAM)
14 Bronson Olevao Jr. (6-1, 220, Jr., 1L, 2*)
00 Tymere Burton (6-2, 225, So., JC, 3*)
30 Sampson Alofipo (6-1, 190, Jr., JC, NR)
00 Chris Joe (6-3, 205, Fr., HS, 3*)
00 Blake Barnes (6-1, 180, RsFr., RS, NR)
30 Jonathan Baird (6-0, 220, Jr., SQ, NR)
MIKE
26 John Miller (6-1, 225, Sr., 1L, 3*)
15 Mataira Brown (6-3, 230, So., JC, NR)
00 Ryker Lotulelei (6-2, 230, Fr., HS, 3*)
00 Jaxton Scoffield (6-4, 210, Fr., HS, NR)
00 Luke Durfey (6-0, 225, Fr., HS, NR)
00 Dakota Howell (5-11, 195, Fr., HS, NR)
Coming Up On Tuesday: Cornerback