Kalani Sitake On BYU LB Siale Esera: “This Is His Moment”

SALT LAKE CITY – BYU redshirt sophomore Siale Esera was the starting middle linebacker at the end of spring ball, and head coach Kalani Sitake expects him to burst on the scene in 2025.

Sitake highlighted Esera’s size, speed, and hitting ability.

“Siale Esera is one of our fastest linebackers and one of our biggest,” Sitake said. “He’s got a lot of strength and bulk to him. He’s a punishing hitter. As he starts to learn and understand the scheme, this is his moment now. I think he’s going to be the unsung hero that a lot of people don’t know about, but people will know after this year. He’s one of the best athletes I’ve been around.”

Esera was not on last year’s 60 in 60 list after dealing with a foot injury.

See where he gets placed on this year’s list after the 2025 College Football season.

About BYU’s Siale Esera

A former three-star recruit out of Timpview High School, Esera redshirted in 2024 due to a Lisfranc injury that limited his availability.

BYU coaches wanted to preserve Esera’s year of eligibility. It was the right move. Esera began returning to full strength during bowl practices last December.

Esera had two tackles and one sack in the blowout Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.

That momentum carried over into spring practices, where he exited the 14 practice sessions as either “1 or 1A” with Harrison Taggart in the eyes of BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill.

Shortly after spring ball, Taggart entered the transfer portal and signed with Cal. That clears the runway for Esera to step in as the clear-cut starter at BYU’s middle linebacker spot.

Esera has excellent size at 6-3, 245 pounds. Pairing Esera with veterans Isaiah Glasker and Jack Kelly should create a special linebacker unit in 2025.

What is the 60 in 60?

Hans and Scotty highlight college football players in the state of Utah with their annual 60 in 60 watchlist.

Check back after the 2025 College Football season to see the final 60 in 60 list.

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