Provo • Butch Pau’u burst onto the BYU football scene in a big way in 2016, breaking tackling records and developing a reputation as the fiercest hitter on the team.
Known for flashing a broad smile after devastating hits and helping opponents to their feet after many of his tackles, Pau’u became a fan favorite as a sophomore before injuries dampened his breakout season.
Still, the middle linebacker from Servite High in Anaheim, Calif., finished with 83 tackles that season, including seven for losses. He had 19 total tackles against UCLA, the most for a BYU defender since Uani Unga had 19 in 2013 against Notre Dame.