DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Returning players: Bo Maile, Gabriel Iniguez, Cole Keele, Bryan Vogl
2024 players not returning: Braydon Bailey (transferred to Montana), Isaiah Bruce (transfer portal), Miguel Jackson (transferred to Northwestern), Ricky Lolohea (transferred to Oklahoma), Seni Tuiaki (transferred to Southern Utah), Manase Tupou (transfer portal), Collin Vaughn (transferred to Youngstown State), Macyo Williams (transferred to Charlotte)
2025 post-spring ball attrition: None
2024 total production lost: 38 games, 9 starts, 52 tackles, 6.0 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
2024 total production returning: 25 games, 13 starts, 48 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles
2024 total production transferring in (transfer portal/junior college): 35 games, 35 starts, 116 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hurries, 4 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 blocked kick
New Faces in 2025:
Kone Aumua-Uiagalelei 6’2″ 280 (2*) – Mount San Antonio CC, CA – (3 years to play 2)
2024 (So.) Stats: 22 tackles 1.5 tackles-for-loss 1.5 sacks
2023 (Fr.) Stats: Saw action in 5 games at Independence CC (KS) but did not record any stats.
Offers from: New Mexico
Primary recruiter: Donte Wilkins
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11197325/Kone-Aumua-Uiagalelei-F
Naki Fahina 6’0″ 300 (3*) – New Mexico State University – (1 year to play 1)
2024 (RsJr.) Stats: 29 tackles 1.0 tackles-for-loss 2 QB hurries 1 blocked kick at New Mexico State
2023 (RsJr.) Stats: 3 tackles received a medical redshirt
2022 (Jr.) Stats: 4 tackles 1.0 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sack
2021 (So.) Stats: 18 tackles 3.0 tackles-for-loss 1 forced fumble
2020 (So.) Stats: 6 tackles 1.0 tackles-for-loss
2019 (Fr.) Stats: 5 tackles at UNLV
Offers from: North Texas
Original offers from: UNLV
Primary recruiter: Donte Wilkins
https://x.com/AmanakiFahina/status/1915460679571591376/video/1
Tyree Morris 6’6″ 273 (3*) – Lafayette College – (2 years to play 2)
2024 (RsSo.) Stats: 65 tackles 5.0 tackles-for-loss 2.0 sacks 4 pass breakups 1 forced fumble 1 blocked kick
2023 (So.) Stats: Missed the season due to injury.
2022 (Fr.) Stats: 12 tackles 1.5 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sacks
Offers from: None
Primary recruiter: Donte Wilkins
https://www.hudl.com/profile/15864532/Tyree-Morris
Joshua Papu 6’3″ 300 (NR) – Snow JC – (4 years to play 4)
2024 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at Snow Junior College
Offers from: None
Primary recruiter: Donte Wilkins
https://247sports.com/player/joshua-papu-46155881/
Stockton Pyne 6’4″ 225 (NR) – Camp Station HS, TN – (Preferred Walk-on)
2022 (Sr.) Stats: 83 tackles 10.0 tackles-for-loss 2.0 sacks
2021 (Jr.) Stats: 33 tackles 5.0 tackles-for-loss 2.0 sacks
Offers from: None
Primary recruiter: Donte Wilkins
https://www.hudl.com/profile/7945770/Stockton-Pyne
Iverson Report 6’0″ 260 (3*) – Layton Christian Academy, UT
2024 (Sr.) Stats: 45 tackles 13.0 tackles-for-loss 9.0 sacks
2023 (Jr.) Stats: 28 tackles 14.0 tackles-for-loss 6.0 sacks 2 forced fumbles 1 fumble recovery
2022 (So.) Stats: 41 tackles 16.0 tackles-for-loss 12.0 sacks 3 QB hurries 2 pass breakups 2 forced fumbles 1 fumble recovery
2021 (Fr.) Stats: 30 tackles 5.0 tackles-for-loss 2.0 sacks 2 pass breakups 2 forced fumbles 1 fumble recovery
Offers from: Eastern Washington, Washington St
Primary recruiter: DJ Tialavea
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16087060/Iverson-Report
Carson Tujague 6’3″ 280 (3*) – byu – (4 years to play 4)
2024 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at byu
Offers from: Wyoming
Original offers from: byu (PWO), Florida International, Navy
Primary recruiter: Bronco Mendenhall
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11634405/Carson-Tujague
2025 OUTLOOK
1-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
GABRIEL INIGUEZ
Senior will be a sure-fire starter at this spot this season, Gabriel Iniguez.
Last season, Iniguez was a starter in all 12 games, rolling up 29 tackles, 1.5 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 2 quarterback hurries.
During his 4-year career at Utah State, New Mexico State University, the City College of San Francisco (CA), and the University of Hawaii, he has played in 37 games with 26 starts and totaled 90 tackles, 14.5 tackles-for-loss, 8.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 quarterback hurries.
According to 247sports, Iniguez is rated as the 1,324th-best transfer portal player in the country and the 140th-best defensive tackle in the transfer portal. He originally held offers from Nevada, New Mexico State, and North Texas. He chose the Aggies over offers from Arkansas State, Colorado State, Jacksonville State, Old Dominion, UTEP, and Western Kentucky.
Iniguez has a stout, big frame and is powerful enough to win his battles in the trenches and cause a major disruption at the line of scrimmage. He is often faced with double-teams and will fight tirelessly to get through them. Once he explodes off the line at the snap, he has active hands to keep opposing offensive linemen from getting hold of him. He is constantly in pursuit of the opposing quarterback or ball carrier, and once he gets them in his grasp, he uses his raw power to force them to the ground.
NAKI FAHINA
Naki Fahina is a transfer from New Mexico State University who will enter the 2025 season as a senior and use his final season of eligibility with the Aggies.
Last season, Fahina started in all 12 games and made 29 tackles, 1.0 tackle-for-loss, 2 quarterback hurries, and blocked a kick.
During his 6-year career at New Mexico State and UNLV, he has played in 39 games with 19 starts and totalled 65 tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 1 pass breakup, 1 forced fumble, and 1 blocked kick.
According to On3 Sports, Fahina is rated as the 605th-best transfer portal player in the country and the 53rd-best defensive tackle in the transfer portal. He originally held an offer from UNLV. He chose the Aggies over an offer from North Texas.
Fahina is a high-motor player who goes all around the field to bring down players for a sack or complete a big tackle. He has a developed understanding of how to confuse the offensive line, mixing up his moves and engaging in stunts and twists to get into the backfield with an open running lane. He stays low when running and finds another gear once he reaches close proximity to the opposing ball carrier to ensure he completes the play. Fahina brings much-needed experience to the defensive line next fall.
JOSH PAPU
Josh Papu is a transfer from Snow Junior College (UT) who will enter the 2025 season as a redshirt freshman with four years of eligibility remaining.
In his lone season of collegiate football last season, Papu spent the season redshirting at Snow.
In 2023, as a high school senior at Tafuna High School (ASM), Papu was credited with making 10.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. Due to him playing his high school football in American Samoa, there are limited stats available.
Utah State was Papu’s first scholarship offer, and he accepted not long after being offered.
Papu is an incredibly strong athlete. He has enough size that has him ready to plug and play. It’s not just his size that is attractive, either. His film shows improving athleticism, strength, and technique. Due to his size and strength, he shows up very well on run plays. He eats up opposing offensive linemen and then sheds them with ease to make plays. On passing plays, he shows the ability to reach the passer.
IVERSON REPORT
True freshman Iverson Report will come into fall camp battling to make a name for himself.
Last season as a high school senior, Report pulled down 45 tackles, 13.0 tackles-for-loss, and 9.0 sacks
During his 4-year high school career with the Eagles, he started all 39 games he played in and racked up 144 tackles, 48.0 tackles-for-loss, 29.0 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries, 4 pass breakups, 6 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries.
According to 247sports, coming out of Layton Christian Academy (UT), Report was rated as the 2,401st-best player nationally, the 162nd-best athlete, and the 34th-best player in Utah. He chose the Aggies over offers from Eastern Washington and Washington State.
Report has sneaky speed for a player his size, as he gets in the backfield quickly off the edge or when he plays on the interior defensive line. He uses his length well by getting his hands on opposing ball carriers or getting his hands up to knock down a pass. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is a strong tackler, putting all of his power into his hits. He has seemingly effortless power, blowing by, around, or over opposing blockers and putting them on their back on his way into the opposing backfield.
COLE KEELE
Adding depth to the position is sophomore preferred walk-on Cole Keele.
Last year Keele saw action in 1 game.
During his 2-year career at Utah State, Keele has played in 1 game.
During his 4-year high school career at Morgan High School (UT), he started in all 50 games for the Trojans. As a senior in 2022, he started all 13 games on the offensive line, earning a first-team all-state selection.
Keele chose the Aggies over an offer from Black Hills State, and preferred walk-on offers from New Mexico State, utah, and Weber State.
Keele has earned a reputation as a tough, nasty player who loves to get physical in the trenches. He is a strong player who can get his hands inside on an opposing defensive player and drive him wherever he wants to take him. He has a solid lower body and which allows him to keep a strong anchor in pass protection. He is mobile and has good enough footwork. He plays through the whistle and isn’t afraid to put opposing players on their backs.
3-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
TYREE MORRIS
Tyree Morris is a transfer from Lafayette College who will enter the 2025 season as a junior with two years of eligibility remaining.
Last season, Morris started in all 12 games and racked up 65 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, 4 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 blocked kick.
During his 3-year career at Lafayette College, Morris has played in 22 games with 12 starts and totaled 77 tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.0 sacks, 4 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 blocked kick.
According to 247sports, Morris is rated as the 1,576th-best transfer portal player nationally and the 171st-best defensive lineman in the transfer portal. Once he entered the transfer portal, Utah State was his first offer, and he accepted not long after being offered
Morris has a deceptively quick first step at the snap, forcing opposing offensive linemen on their heels immediately. This allows him to gain an early advantage during the play. Once the ball is snapped, he takes good angles off the line and works on getting a bead on the ball carrier. Once he gets into the backfield, he does a nice job of forcing pressure on the quarterback by getting a hand on him or forcing him to throw too early. He is solid in the running game as well. He does a good job of setting the edge and getting off his blocks to make a tackle. His speed and mobility are a huge plus for a player his size.
BO MAILE
Senior Bo Maile will be a solid number two option here this season.
Last year, Maile played in 12 games with 1 start and recorded 19 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, and 0.5 sacks.
During his 3-year career at Utah State, Maile has played in 33 games with 1 start and totaled 40 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks. His brother George is an offensive guard for the Aggies.
According to 247sports, coming out of Bingham High (UT), Maile was rated as the 1,627th-best player nationally, the 88th-best EDGE defensive end, and the 16th-best prospect overall in Utah. He chose the Aggies over an offer from byu.
Maile is physical at the line of scrimmage and gets off his blocks quickly. He attacks blockers, running backs, and quarterbacks alike, using his strength to stop the opposition in their tracks. He pounces on ball carriers and wraps them up to complete a big play. As his playing time and reps continue to increase, he should be able to maintain his development into a productive pass-rusher during his time at Utah State. He is versatile enough to play both defensive tackle and defensive end.
KONE AUMUA-UIAGALELEI
Kone Aumua-Uiagalelei is a transfer from Mount San Antonio Community College (CA) who will enter the 2025 season as a junior with two years of eligibility remaining, plus a redshirt season if needed.
Last year, Aumua-Uiagalelei played in 11 games with 11 starts and tallied 22 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks.
During his 2-year career at Mount San Antonio Community College (CA) and Independence Community College (KS), Aumua-Uiagalelei played in 16 games with 11 starts and totalled 22 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks.
According to 247sports, coming out of Mount San Antonio Community College (CA), Aumua-Uiagalelei was rated as the 199th-best junior college player nationally, the 35th-best junior college defensive lineman, and the 34th-best junior college player in the State of Washington. He chose the Aggies over an offer from New Mexico.
Aumua-Uiagalelei is a block-eating specialist often commanding a double-team, allowing more one-on-one opportunities for his teammates. He has a knack for reading and reacting as the play unfolds and does whatever he can to make an impact. He has brute strength, and he likes to use it to push opposing offensive linemen into the backfield to blow up a developing play. He does a nice job of getting his hands on opposing ball carriers and keeping them wrapped up as he brings them to the ground.
CARSON TUJAGUE
Carson Tujague is a transfer from BYU who will enter the 2025 season as a redshirt freshman with four years of eligibility remaining.
Last season, Tujague spent the season redshirting for the cougars following his return from serving a church mission.
Unfortunately, career high school stats for Tujague were not available at press time. Despite several requests from the Western Albemarle High Head Coach, I was unable to secure a response.
According to 247sports, coming out of Western Albemarle High School (VA), Tujague was rated as the 244th-best linebacker nationally and the 47th-best player in Virginia. He originally held offers from byu (PWO), Florida International, and Navy. He chose the Aggies over an offer from Wyoming.
Tujague is physically strong, and he uses that to push back opposing offensive linemen to get into the backfield. He was a linebacker in high school and still has the mobility and footspeed that will serve him well at the line of scrimmage. He initiates contact after the snap to gain the advantage and flies past opposing offensive linemen to disrupt plays. He stays low when moving around and doesn’t overpursue on plays. He has the versatility to play all over the defensive line at this level.
BRYAN VOGL
Adding depth to the position is sophomore preferred walk-on Bryan Vogl.
Last season, Vogl spent the season on the Aggie practice squad.
During his 2-year career at Utah State, Vogl has not seen any action but has been an active participant on the Aggie practice squad.
During his 4-year high school career at Cedar Valley High School (UT), Vogl started all 43 games and racked up 196 tackles, 62.0 tackles-for-loss, 29.0 sacks, 31 QB hurries, 1 interception, 8 pass breakups, 6 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries. For his effort in his senior season, he earned a Class 5-A honorable mention selection.
Vogl chose the Aggies over an offer from Black Hills State.
Vogl has exceptional speed for a player at his position. He uses that speed to anticipate the snap and quickly knife into opposing backfields and disrupt plays before they get a chance to develop. He made a living creating tackles-for-loss his entire high school career. He relentlessly hunts opposing quarterbacks and running backs.
STOCKTON PYNE
Adding depth to the position is redshirt freshman preferred walk-on Stockton Pyne.
Last season, Pyne spent the season redshirting following his return from serving a church mission.
During his 2-year career with the Camp Station High School (TN) Bison, Pyne played in 19 games with 10 starts and totaled 116 tackles, 15.0 tackles-for-loss, and 4.0 sacks.
Although he played as a defensive end, Pyne plays more like a traditional defensive tackle. He prefers to put his hand in the dirt rather than stand at the line of scrimmage. He hunts opposing ball carriers in the backfield. His play diagnosis is a big part of his game. Despite being asked to bulk up at defensive tackle, speed is still a big part of his game. His long wingspan keeps opposing offensive tackles from getting hold of him and slowing down his pass rush.
PROJECTED 2025 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
1-TECHNIQUE NOSE TACKLE
0 Gabriel Iniguez (6-1, 280, Sr., 1L, 2*)
00 Naki Fahina (6-0, 300, Sr, TR, 3*)
00 Josh Papu (6-3, 300, RsFr., JC, NR)
00 Iverson Report (6-0, 260, Fr., HS, 3*)
78 Cole Keele (6-3, 300, So., SQ, NR)
3-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
9 Tyree Morris (6-6, 275, Jr., TR, 3*)
44 Bo Maile (6-2, 290, Sr., 3L, 3*)
54 Kone Aumua-Uiagalelei (6-2, 280, Jr., JC, NR)
00 Carson Tujague (6-3, 280, RsFr, TR, 3*)
93 Bryan Vogl (6-1, 260, So., SQ, NR)
00 Stockton Pyne (6-4, 225, RsFr, SQ, NR)
Coming up on Friday: EDGE Rush Ends