Five Returned Missionaries to Watch in 2023

PROVO, Utah– One of the unique aspects of building a BYU football roster is the returning missionaries.

When putting together a recruiting class, it can be easy to overlook prospects who have been away for two years serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, the BYU coaching staff has not forgotten about these players.

Most of the missionaries who returned to Kalani Sitake’s program returned in their first year of service as either gray or red shirts. Primarily because these players who want to serve the missionaries do not participate in football or practice at all during their mission.

However, now that the Big 12 is here and so many new faces on the roster and coaching staff, the RMs have more opportunities to make an impact in 2023.

Who could be the players that make the difference this season? Here are five you should keep an eye out for.

Raider Damuni, Security

Raider Damun’s importance to BYU’s future was on display at Salt Lake City International Airport last month. Damuni arrived home from his Latter-day Saint mission in San Francisco. BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill waited outside the revolving doors by the security exit.

Damuni is a versatile athlete who could play multiple positions during his college career. Word is, he’ll end up in Jay Hill’s safe room his freshman year. But he’s athletic enough to play a few spots.

The former Timpview standout remained committed to BYU throughout his commitment. He committed to the Cougars six years ago in the winter of 2017. For context, Damuni committed to BYU prior to the Cougars 4-9 season in 2017. He navigated a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and remained committed to BYU.

Welcome home Elder @raiderdamuni I’m very proud of you, but it’s time to get back to work.
thank you @CoachJayHill for taking the time to come and welcome my son home.
GO COUGHS!!! pic.twitter.com/8FUS2QkX84

— #IamJackDamuni (@JackDamuni) December 14, 2022

During this time, when people were talking about the transfer portal and student-athletes not being loyal to teams, Damuni remained committed through many ups and downs to the BYU program.

Damuni finished his prep career with 82 tackles, 11 interceptions and 35 sacks.

Jake Griffin, offensive line

Griffin was part of BYU’s 2020 recruiting class. A three-star prospect from Mesa, Arizona, Griffin received high praise from former BYU offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes as a future standout on offense.

Jake Griffins (@Jakegriffin54) the letter of intent is included. Could be the left Takla of the future #BYU when he returns home his mission. @kslsports #NSD20 #BYUFootball https://t.co/U5hxdYGdqw pic.twitter.com/ddHuOUFs7g

– Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) February 5, 2020

In high school, Griffin was 6-foot-6, 265 pounds. One of the challenges for returning missionaries on the offensive line is weight. For example, Clark Barrington lost 75 pounds while on a mission.

BYU’s offensive line in 2023 has some question marks about its depth. Griffin has the potential to be a two-man player in year one.

Nukuluve Helu, Running Back

BYU has a nice trio of running backs in Hinckley Folau Ropat, Miles Davis and UNLV transfer Aidan Robbins. But a name to keep an eye on is freshman Nukuluve Helu from Tooele High School.

Helu wore the gray shirt last season after serving two years in the mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines. In his senior year at Tooele, Helu was one of Utah’s top running backs, rushing for 1,178 yards and eight touchdowns.

BYU is such a great school!!! Go cough!

— Nukuluve Helu (@nukuluve) September 2, 2022

BYU running backs coach Harvey Unga considered letting Helu compete for playing time last year. But in the end, patience will be rewarded, as Helu now has five years to play, four of which are in the Big 12 Conference.

Ace Kaufusi, lineman

Another Kaufusi joins the fold at BYU. This time it’s Ace Kaufusi from Kahuku High School in Hawaii. He is the cousin of former BYU linebackers Isaiah and Jackson Kaufus.

Adding Kaufusis is never a bad thing #BYU. @Ace_Kaufusi is just scratching the surface of his potential as a footballer. @kslsports #BYUFootball #NSD20 pic.twitter.com/wYi9p1rD0l

– Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) February 5, 2020

Kaufusi, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound linebacker, grayshirted last year after serving a mission in San Jose, California. He chose BYU out of high school over interest from Utah, Stanford, Utah State and UCLA.

BYU’s linebacker position has lost many key players. Ben Bywater and Max Tooley are at the top. Still, there should be an intriguing race to fill out the depth chart after them. Kaufusi could potentially influence this conversation.

Bentley Redden, Tight End

BYU has a star tight end in San Clemente, Calif., Isaac Rex. Could Bentley Redden follow in Rex’s footsteps?

SIGNED AND SEALED!! LET’S GO!! #GOKOUT #TOPGUNS21 pic.twitter.com/FBnYbdIS6w

— Bentley Redden (@BentleyRedden) December 16, 2020

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound tight end from San Clemente High was one of the top recruits in BYU’s 2021 recruiting class. He had offers from Tennessee, Nebraska, Virginia, Arizona State and top academic universities such as Harvard and Yale.

Redden is a traditional BYU recruit. His father, Matt, played defensive back at BYU from 1992-1995. He was teammates with Kalani Sitake for one season in 1994.

BYU’s tight end depth chart will likely consist of Isaac Rex and Ethan Erickson. But after that, there should be plenty of competition for Steve Clark’s tight ends.

Mitch Harper is KSLsports.com’s BYU Insider and host of the Cougar Tracks podcast (SPACE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (starting at 123 on Saturday) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU’s move to the Big 12 Conference on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.

Follow @Mitch_Harper