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BYU’s defensive linemen are large and tall, but they will have to be stout against the run and get pressure on the passer for Cougars to succeed

Provo • BYU might have the largest defensive linemen that the Arizona Wildcats will face all season, new coach Kevin Sumlin said Tuesday during the Pac-12 coaches teleconference.

“I mean, really big guys — 330 and 340 pounds inside,” Sumlin said. “Then a 6-foot-9 defensive end, 280 pounds [Corbin Kaufusi]. There are not a lot of guys in a lot of leagues that are going to have that kind of size.”

Sumlin may also have been referring to Tonga’s backup, 310-pound senior Merrill “Meti” Taliauli or his backup, 300-pound freshman Lorenzo Fauatea.

Whatever the case, BYU’s front four is big and stout, and defensive coordinator/defensive line coach Ilaisa Tuiaki said Tuesday it is fairly deep.