Just four BYU alums saw action in the NFL playoffs this year, and just one (Van Noy) made it past the divisional round and has football left to play this year. All statistics, snap counts, and transactions for active players are recorded below.
Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah (DE, 2010-12; Detroit). Detroit (9-8) lost its wild card matchup to Seattle 26-6 on January 7th despite Ansah’s best game of the season. Ansah had five solo tackles, four assisted tackles, and two sacks to close out the season. He started at defensive end and played 44 snaps with the defense (60%) and one snap on special teams (4%). Season Totals: 35 tackles (21 solo, 14 assisted); four quarterback hurries, three tackles for loss; two sacks; Postseason Totals: 9 tackles (5 solo, 4 assisted); two sacks
John Denney (LS, 2001-04; Miami). Miami (10-7) fell 30-12 in their wild card matchup versus Pittsburgh on January 8. Denney played 5 snaps (22%) on special teams. Season Totals: No stats; Post-Season Totals: No stats
Paul Lasike (RB/FB, 2012-14; Chicago). Chicago (3-13) failed to make the playoffs. Season Totals: three carries for eight yards; one reception for three yards; one kickoff return for five yards.
Dennis Pitta (TE, 2004, 2007-09; Baltimore). Baltimore (8-8) failed to make the playoffs. Season Totals: 86 receptions for 729 yards, two touchdowns; one fumble lost.
Daniel Sorensen (DB, 2008, 2011-13; Kansas City). The Chiefs (12-5) fell to Pittsburg Sunday in the divisional round of the playoffs 18-16. Sorensen started at strong safety and had one solo tackle and one assisted tackle in the loss. He played 30 snaps on defense (45%) and 22 snaps on special teams (92%). Season Totals: 63 tackles (55 solo, 8 assisted); four TFL; six pass deflections; two forced fumble; three fumble recoveries (including one for 55 yards); three INT with one returned 48 yards for a TD; one kickoff return (for zero yards); one sack. Pos-Season Totals: one solo tackle, one assisted tackle
Kyle Van Noy (LB, 2010-13; New England). New England (15-2) defeated Houston 34-16 on Saturday in the divisional round of the playoffs. Van Noy had two solo tackles in the win. He played 32 snaps on defense (46%) and 5 on special teams (14%). New England will face Pittsburg on January 22nd. Season Totals: 52 tackles (32 solo, 20 assisted); one sack; two TFL; three pass deflections; one interception; one forced fumble. Post-Season Totals: two solo tackles
Additional Cougars on the injured reserve:
- Bronson Kaufusi (DE, 2012-15). On injured reserve for Baltimore Ravens.
- Uani ‘Unga (MLB, 2011-13). On the injured reserve for New York Giants
- De’Ondre Wesley (OT, 2013-14). On injured reserve for Baltimore Ravens.
- Alani Fua (ILB, 2010-14). Placed on injured reserve after week 3. Season Totals: One assisted tackle
Cougars currently on practice squads:
- Jordan Leslie has been everywhere this season. He was waived by the Atlanta Falcons in August, spent one week on the Tennessee Titans practice squad in September, and was added on October 18th to the Cleveland Browns practice squad.
- Rob Daniel (CB, 2013-14). Daniel spent 2015-16 on Green Bay practice squad and some time on 53 man roster. He was released after training camp in early September 2016 but was elevated to the Green Bay practice squad before week 3. That only lasted a week or so as he was waived by the Packers on September 25, 2016. However he was picked up by Baltimore and played 19 snaps (61%) on special teams (but recorded no stats) on an October 23 loss to the Jets. He was waived by the Ravens on November 5, 2016 but then re-activated to the practice squad on November 12th.
- Cody Hoffman has spent this season on the practice squad for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
- Manoa Pikula (ILB, 2012-15). Cut by the Green Bay Packers in the pre-season but is currently listed on the Injury Report
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